The title is misleading. As the story content notes:
"POPE Benedict XVI has authorised the proclamation of 19 new saints and blesseds, the first such decree of his papacy which began in late April. "
A "blessed" is not yet a saint.
Perhaps the most exciting name on this list is
Indian Father Augustine Thevarparampil, a Syro-Malabar priest who lived 1891-1973.
If I am not mistaken, Fr. Thevarparampil would be the first Syro Malabar saint proclaimed (still need to research this a bit more). The Syro Malabar Church is one of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Many people are not aware that the Catholic Church is both Western and Eastern. As most of us realize, the Church began in the East. Our Lord lived and died and resurrected in the Holy Land. The Church spread from Jerusalem throughout the known world. As the Church spread, it encountered different cultures and adapted, retaining from each culture what was consistent with the Gospel. In the city of Alexandria, the Church became very Egyptian; in Antioch it remained very Jewish; in Rome it took on an Italian appearance and in Constantinople it took on the trappings of the Roman imperial court. All the churches which developed this way were Eastern, except Rome. Most Catholics in the United States have their roots in Western Europe where the Roman rite predominated. It has been said that the Eastern Catholic Churches are "the best kept secret in the Catholic Church."
Think of it as one faith; different flavors.
The Syro-Malabar Church was known as the Church of the St.Thomas Christians until the 18th century because it was founded by St Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. St.Thomas came to India in 52 A.D. He died as a Martyr in a place called Mylapore near the present town of Chennai (Madras).His tomb is still venerated there. To learn more about the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, click the following link:
A Roman Catholic may attend the Divine Liturgy at any Eastern Catholic Church. You can learn more about the 22 different Churches at this link:
I am a Roman Catholic practicing my faith at a Maronite Catholic Church. To locate an Eastern Catholic Church in your community, Check the following link and look into attending an Eastern Catholic Liturgy (not to be confused with the Orthodox Church).
Eastern Catholic Churches in the U.S.
Should you wish more information on the Eastern Catholic Churches, please freepmail me.
Catholic Ping
Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list
