Havana, Cuba, Mar 12, 2012 / 11:04 am
The global director of the Christian Liberation Movement, Oswaldo Paya, said Cubans are overjoyed at recent approval of the heroic virtues of 19th century priest Father Felix Varela.
“It would be very wonderful” if Pope Benedict XVI declared him “venerable” before the pontiff's upcoming March 25-28 visit to the country, Paya told CNA.
On March 6, the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints approved a decree on the heroic virtues of Fr. Varela – who is widely considered the patron of Cuba – which must now be signed by Pope Benedict XVI. The priest would then need a Vatican-approved miracle to become beatified and another before being canonized.
Paya said a declaration by the Pope would be “great news” and is something “desired by very many Cubans” who already believe Fr. Varela lived a holy life.