Celebrating the Feast Day of Blessed Bishop Mamerto Esquiú in Buenos Aires: A Look at Argentina’s Growing List of Saints and Blesseds
Bishop Santiago Olivera Celebrates Mass in Honor of Blessed Bishop Mamerto Esquiú
BUENOS AIRES (OSV News) — In a moving ceremony, Bishop Santiago Olivera of the Military Ordinariate of Argentina led a Mass on May 11 to honor Blessed Bishop Mamerto Esquiú on his feast day. The celebration highlighted the life and legacy of Blessed Bishop Esquiú, who was beatified in 2021, and the growing list of saints and blessed individuals from Argentina.
During the Mass, Bishop Olivera praised Blessed Bishop Esquiú as a great man and a gift to the homeland, emphasizing the importance of living fraternally as brothers and sisters. The event was a significant moment for both men, with Bishop Olivera overseeing the commission for the causes of saints for Argentina’s bishops and Blessed Bishop Esquiú being remembered for his contributions to the faith.
Argentina, the home country of Pope Francis, has seen a rise in the number of canonized and beatified individuals in recent years. With four saints already recognized, including those canonized by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, Argentina continues to advance the causes of individuals who have shown exemplary holiness and virtue.
Bishop Olivera’s role in facilitating the process for numerous individuals on the path to sainthood reflects the country’s commitment to recognizing the sanctity of its citizens. With 16 men and women already beatified, nine venerable individuals, and more than 50 servants of God, Argentina is making strides in promoting holiness and virtue among its people.
One of the causes that Bishop Olivera is particularly hopeful about is that of Cardinal Eduardo Pironio, a key figure in organizing the first international World Youth Day in Buenos Aires. Recently declared venerable by Pope Francis, Cardinal Pironio is on track for beatification later this year, potentially becoming the first cardinal from Argentina to be beatified.
Other causes, such as that of Bishop Enrique Angelelli of La Rioja, who was martyred during the country’s last dictatorship, and Lt. Col. Argentino del Valle Larrabure, who died after being held prisoner by guerrillas, are also moving forward. These individuals represent the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those on the path to sainthood in Argentina.
Overall, Bishop Olivera remains optimistic about the progress of these causes and the impact they have on the faithful in Argentina. As the country continues to promote holiness and virtue, the celebration of Blessed Bishop Mamerto Esquiú serves as a reminder of the rich spiritual heritage of the Argentine people.
Lucien Chauvin writes for OSV News from Montevideo, Uruguay.