October 5, 2011
OF FATHER LOUIS GUANELLA
Blessed Father Louis Guanella (1842-1915), founder of the Religious Orders of the Servants of Charity and the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence, and the Pious Union of Saint Joseph Prayer Association, will be canonized a saint in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, October 23, 2011.
Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia Robert P. Maginnis will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a Mass celebrating Saint Guanella's feast day on
11:00 a.m.
Cardinal Krol Center at Don Guanella Village
1799 South Sproul Road
Springfield, PA 19064 (Delaware County)
The miraculous healing of a Delaware County man cleared the way for the Canonization of Father Louis Guanella. In March 2002, William Glisson, Jr. had a rollerblading accident in Springfield, Pennsylvania, that put him in a coma for some time and nearly cost him his life. Family members, friends, members of the Servants of Charity and residents of Don Guanella Village used two relics of Father Guanella's and their prayers to pray, through the intercession of Father Guanella, for his recovery. He was restored to full health.
Don Guanella Village, operated by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is located in Springfield, Pennsylvania, at 1797 South Sproul Road. It provides residential services for men and boys with developmental disabilities. The Village is composed of two residential facilities, Don Guanella School and The Cardinal Krol Center.
In November 2009, the medical commission of the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints declared there were no scientific, natural, or medical reasons for his cure. And in January 2010, the Pontifical Theological Commission confirmed that William Glisson's healing was obtained through the intercession of Blessed Father Louis Guanella.
A group of pilgrims, including William Glisson Jr., will depart for Rome the week prior to the Canonization. Bishop John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will represent Archbishop Chaput in Rome.
Editors Note: For more information on Blessed Louis Guanella and the Servants of Charity, please visit www.servantsofcharity.org, or http://bit.ly/Guanelliani
Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747