Pope Francis declares heroic virtues of Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange and Sister Lúcia dos Santos

Pope Francis has recently declared venerable Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange and Sister Lúcia dos Santos as individuals who lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way. Mother Lange, the founder of the first Catholic order of African American nuns, dedicated her life to educating children of color in the United States, despite facing challenges as a black woman in a slave state. On the other hand, Sister Lúcia dos Santos, known for her vision of Mary in Fátima, Portugal, spent her life as a cloistered Carmelite nun, clarifying the “secrets” of Fatima and sharing prophecies concerning world events.

The recognition of their heroic virtues by Pope Francis is a significant step towards their beatification, pending the confirmation of a miracle attributed to their intercession. Additionally, the pope also recognized the martyrdom of Father Manuel González-Serna Rodríguez and 19 others killed during the Spanish Civil War, paving the way for their beatification without a miracle.

The lives and legacies of Mother Lange and Sister Lúcia dos Santos serve as inspirations for many, showcasing their unwavering faith and dedication to serving others. Their stories continue to resonate with believers around the world, highlighting the power of faith and selflessness in the face of adversity.