SÃO PAULO, Brazil, MAY 9, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Brazil's first native-born saint will be canonized in his home country by Benedict XVI.
Canonizations normally take place in Rome, but the Holy Father will make an exception Friday and canonize Blessed Antonio Santa'Ana Galvão in São Paulo.
News of the canonization was received with great joy in Brazil, reported Archbishop Odilo Scherer of São Paulo, president of the country's episcopal conference.
Father Galvão, who was born in 1739, "wanted to be Jesuit but ended up a Franciscan," explained the archbishop.
He continued: "In São Paulo, he was devoted to the prayer, intense work, preaching, and charity. He was a true 'man of God' endeavoring to help people to be closer to God.
"Always welcoming people, he gave special attention to the poor, the sick and the afflicted."
Father Galvão founded Santa Clara's convent, in Sorocaba, at a time Marquês de Pombal's law imposed enormous restrictions on the Church and its building initiatives.
Father Galvão "helped to build Luz Monastery in São Paulo, where still today the nuns of the religious congregation he founded live," remarked Archbishop Scherer.
Father Galvão died in 1822, the year of the independence of Brazil. His grave, a place of devotion, is at the Luz Monastery, in São Paulo.
Code: ZE07050921
Date: 2007-05-09