The “esteemed” Catholic Church of Catalan architect Anthony Godi (1852-1926), known as Sagrada Familia de Barcelona. This is the first step on the road to holiness, the Vatican announced on Monday.
Pope Francis realized the “heroic virtues” of the architect and authorized for the reasons for the saints of issuing a decree announcing that it was “distinguished”, according to a statement issued by the Holy See.
Confession Heroic virtues It precedes overcoming, which requires a miracle attributed to the candidate intercession. To achieve the ecclesiastical and its sacred declaration, a second miracle is required, its authenticity is also validated by the Vatican, at the end of the process that usually lasts for several years.
Reactions from Barcelona and the Vatican
“It was a pleasure to receive news. I think it is a recognition not only his architectural work, but about something more important,” said Barcelona’s bishops, Cardinal Jose Oilla, President of Barcelona.
Omela added: “Gouda has left a testimony to all of us and the Pope, in some way, realizing it,” Omela added.
Francisco, in depths, tells us: “You are also invited to holiness Amid the difficulties of life, as it was in the midst of work, pain and suffering, “said Cardinal.
The process of overcoming
The procedure for overcoming this optical and depressed architect was opened in Rome in 2003. In December 2023, Omela was assigned a near -built -in association by secularism – to care for the case.
Gaudi, nicknamed “The Engineer of God”, is the Creator of the ancient Basilica in Sarrada Familia, under construction for more than a century and devoted in 2010 by the sixteenth Benedict, who led this way to use as a place of worship.
On that occasion, the German Pope praisedAnthony Godi genius“,,”, Inspired by the enthusiasm of his Christian faith, he was able to turn this church into praise of God from the stone.
Pope Francis and Decree
To issue the decree, Pope Francis – 88 years old and fondly received after dangerous pneumonia – Dicasterio Governor for the causes of saints, Marcello Senorro.
This was his first official meeting since he left the hospital on March 23.
Meaning of the title “Al -Muqar”
The “Al -Muwaqqar” declaration to Anthony Godi by the Vatican represents the second official step in the awareness process within the Catholic Church, after admitting that it is “the servant of God.” This stage means that the candidate has lived Christian virtues —F, Esperanza and Charity, among other things – with a heroic degree, but it can still be the subject of public worship.
The case of Gaudí is unusual in the context of the causes of holiness, because it is an ordinary person, not a cleric, as well as an architect whose fame is mainly due to his artistic work. However, his personal and spiritual life was taught by the Vatican for decades.
Goudi lived moderately, with a deep dedication to the Catholic faith, especially in his last years, devoting his work completely to the Holy Family, which he considered his offer to God.
Possible miracle and the future of the case
As for the miracle needed to implement it, it was evaluated for several years by the ecclesiastical authorities: according to various sources, the recovery that cannot be explained to a woman with a peripheral disease in Barcelona, after the prayer before the image of Godi. However, so far, the Vatican has not officially verified any miracle attributed to intercession.
According to the information confirmed by the official Vatican website and the media, such as the Vatican News, Anthony Godi’s sanctification process is actively driven by Barcelona’s diocese, with the support of the academic and artistic world, given that his life determines “holiness and beauty”. Currently, the title “Al -Muqarir” does not give ritual worship, but it allows us to move towards eventually overcoming, which requires an approved miracle.
The Holy Family continues the Godi Summit, under construction, and is expected to end in 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of the architect. The project, which was fully funded through special donations and visitors’ entries, is one of the most visited temples in the world and has been announced World Heritage By UNESCO in 2005.