A nun born in Cuba who ended up establishing and running a school for black children in 19th-century Baltimore might become the first Cuban ever to be canonized (if Francis Varela doesn’t beat her to it).
Being declared a saint by the Catholic Church is usually a lengthy and complicated process. Occasionally, the process can be speedy, as in the case of the late Pope John-Paul II, who was canonized only eight years after his death. In some cases, the process stalls and fails to move forward. In other cases, it can take centuries, as happened with Joan of Arc, who was canonized 489 years after her death.
The achievements of this little-known Cuban nun are truly remarkable. She migrated from Cuba to the slave state of Maryland as a free black, and despite being black AND an immigrant, she managed to improve the lives of others in her adoptive land. And she lived to be 98.
No miracles have been officially attributed to her yet, but being declared “Venerable” means that she is being recognized for her holiness and “heroic virtue” and that she can — and should — be approached for help through prayer.
[Oh, what a remarkable woman and lovely story. ~ Beege]
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