Pope, "united with Brazil" in the beatification of Nhá Chica
"Yesterday, in Brazil, Francisca de Paula de Jesus, known as Nhá Chica, was proclaimed blessed. Her simple life was entirely dedicated to God and charity, so much so that she was called the mother of the poor. I am united in the joy of the Church in Brazil for this luminous disciple of the Lord," said Pope Francis in a greeting to the Brazilian faithful.
Renata Giraldi*
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia – Pope Francis today (5) greeted Brazilian faithful, saying he is united with everyone for the beatification of Nhá Chica. The announcement of the beatification of Francisca de Paula de Jesus was made yesterday (4). The Pope mentioned the blessed during Mass celebrated this Sunday in the Vatican. Francis also said he prays for children who are victims of abuse. According to him, it is essential to intensify efforts to protect people in vulnerable situations.
"Yesterday, in Brazil, Francisca de Paula de Jesus, known as Nhá Chica, was proclaimed blessed. Her simple life was entirely dedicated to God and charity, so much so that she was called the mother of the poor. I am united in the joy of the Church in Brazil for this luminous disciple of the Lord," said the Pope.
Nhá Chica is the first black woman to be declared blessed in Brazil. Yesterday, a ceremony was held in Baependi, a municipality in Minas Gerais state located 400 kilometers from Belo Horizonte. The consecration mass was celebrated at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Conception, where Nhá Chica's remains are kept.
The decree of beatification was signed by Pope Benedict XVI in June 2012. In 2011, the Vatican approved the registration of a miracle attributed to Nhá Chica. The commission began its work in 1989. In a statement, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) highlighted that the beatification has an important meaning for the Church.
The daughter and granddaughter of slaves, the blessed woman was illiterate and orphaned in childhood. Devoted to Our Lady of the Conception, she lived in poverty and simplicity, and dedicated her life to serving people, especially in the task of listening and advising. Her care for the poorest earned her the title of Mother of the Poor.
Next, Francis mentioned the need to defend the rights of those living in vulnerable situations. The Pope called for intensified actions to defend and protect them as a guarantee of quality of life for the vulnerable.
"I send my thoughts to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer because of abuse. I would like to assure you that you are in my prayers, but I would also like to emphasize that we must all strive with clarity and courage to ensure that every person, especially children, who are among the most vulnerable groups, are always defended and protected," he said.
*With information from Vatican Radio
Edition: Adjutant Grace