A historic milestone for the Venezuelan Church
This Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrated the canonization of José Gregorio Hernández, known as the "doctor of the poor," and the nun Carmen Rendueles, the first saints of Venezuela, at the Vatican. The ceremony, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, marks a historic moment for the Catholic faith in the country, where Hernández has been the object of popular and syncretic veneration for decades.
Faith, hope, and social context
Thousands of Venezuelans, both in Rome and in their home country, gathered to celebrate the canonization. In Venezuela, celebrations took place in various venues, including the Basilica of Our Lady of La Candelaria in Caracas and the sanctuary of Isnotú, the birthplace of the new saint. Devotion to José Gregorio Hernández, who died in 1919, transcends religion, embodying for many a symbol of charity and hope.
Calls amid the celebration
In the hours leading up to the ceremony, Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Porras referred to the situation in the country, describing it as "morally unacceptable" and mentioning the decline in freedoms, poverty, and the lack of autonomy of public authorities. Together with human rights organizations, he also took the opportunity to call for the release of political prisoners in the country.
Politics and devotion on parallel stages
President Nicolás Maduro participated in a vigil at the José Gregorio Hernández Museum in Caracas, accompanied by members of his government. Through social media, he described Venezuela as "a country of devout people" and celebrated the canonization. This event is taking place in a complex international scenario, with tensions in the region related to drug trafficking and the presence of illegal armed groups, according to international sources.
Hope for a new miracle
For Venezuelan parishioners, José Gregorio Hernández has interceded in thousands of favors, although the Church has only officially recognized one miracle attributed to his intercession for canonization. In a joint statement, Venezuelan opposition leaders expressed their faith that this spiritual milestone could herald "a time of light and freedom" for the nation, reflecting how the religious event is part of a collective desire for change and improvement.
Original source: www.elmundo.es (published October 19, 2025)
Photo: Jorge Salvador on Unsplash
