Pope approves six sainthood causes; Vatican sets May 16 canonization

Published: 2004-02-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II formally paved the way for the canonization of four men and two women, the majority of whom are founders of religious congregations from the 19th century. The six will be elevated to sainthood during a Mass May 16 in St. Peter's Square, the Vatican announced Feb. 19. One of those to be canonized is Blessed Father Luigi Orione. The Italian priest was born in 1872 and founded the religious congregation of the Little Work of Divine Providence as well as the Orione Family, which is made up of laity, religious and priests active in 30 countries. Father Orione became known around the world for his work helping the poor, sick and handicapped. He died in 1940 and was beatified by Pope John Paul in 1980. Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla, the only nonreligious of the group, was an Italian pediatrician who, in national circles, became known as the "pro-life saint." She discovered she had a uterine tumor during the end of the second month of her fourth pregnancy. In order to spare the life of the fetus she decided to refuse an operation that might have saved her life. Molla carried the girl to term in 1962, but died a week after giving birth.

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