FIFTEENTH D0CUMENT:   
SOLEMN BEATIFICATIONS AND CANONISATIONS, AND PROCLAMATION OF CERTAIN DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH: ON THE FEAST OF THE VIRGIN MARY  UNDER THE VERY NECESSARY TITLE OF OUR LADY OF RANSOM

We, as Supreme Pontiff, Vicar of Christ, Successor of Saint Peter, Servant of the Servants of God, Patriarch of Palmar de Troya.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, assisted by the Holy Ghost, comprehending the sense of the Church and considering historical fact, solemnly declare and proclaim;

We raise today to the glory of the altars, Canonising those Beatified by Our venerated predecessors; Beatifying and Canonising those already distinguished by the title Venerable or Servants of God. In this solemn elevation to the glory of the altars, which We proclaim today, there is a good number of martyrs, who were martyred at different times by different enemies. We put forward the living models and examples of the martyrs who offered their lives for Christ and for His Church, One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, desire to engrave in the upright conscience of good Catholics, the lofty and sublime importance, and surpassing dignity and beauty of martyrdom. We desire to remind all the faithful, that martyrdom accepted and offered to God, is a seed of abundant fruit, sure promise of the birth of new Catholics. We give the Lord praise for lavishing on the Church the surpassing dignity of martyrdom. The blood poured out in martyrdom is the adornment and glory of the whole Church. We desire to recall that the holy Church of God, always has been persecuted. Let us not forget that the foundation of the Church was accomplished through the shedding of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Man of Sorrows, Martyr of martyrs. We exhort all the faithful to fix their gaze on Golgotha. We put the question; what do you see on Golgotha? And We ourselves make reply; on Golgotha you see a Martyr, above all martyrs. He is nailed to a cross, His hands extended in a gesture of reparation to the Father, and of reconciliation of men with the Father. At the foot of the Man of Sorrows is the Woman, the Woman announced in Genesis. She unites Herself with the Son as our Co‑Redemptrix, forming only two lips, offering themselves in reparation for the offences of ungrateful men, and bringing eternal salvation to those who accept the Redemption and co‑operate with grace. Behold the beautiful picture; the Divine Founder of the Church nailed to the Cross, after the most sorrowful Passion; and united with Him at the foot of the Cross, Mary, the Mother of the Church. There we see Her, sorrowful and tearful, but erect and steadfast, Queen of martyrs. Very beloved children, do not overlook the continuity of history, because that which began on Calvary continues, link after link, along a chain without end. There on Calvary we see the Church about to continue Her martyrdom, that of almost all the Apostles. Then the links continue in this marvelous chain, with the multitude of martyrs of pagan Imperial Rome, the Rome that adorned the Church with the precious blood of innumerable martyrs. All the Provinces subject to Caesar had the fortune rapidly to hear the preaching of the Gospel; and this preaching was sealed with the blood of martyrs, and those martyrs never took their eyes off Calvary. In later times, they continued piously to fashion the various links of this sacred chain. The Church knew every kind of persecution. Let us not forget the half moon of Mohammed. The fanatical Mohammedans, frenzied and possessed, ferociously attacked the Church. We desire to remind all the Church, that Catholic Spain endured the invasions of the Romans and of the Mohammedans, ‑ the one an Empire as also the other, filling Spain with innumerable martyrs, who, as holocausts, adorn the Church with glory. The chain did not end, it continued to grow new links.

The Turkish Empire, the barbarians of northern Europe, the Arians, irreligious Emperors of various epochs, Protestantism; these infernal heresies, ferocious and inhuman, committed every kind of atrocity against the Catholics. We desire to recall the martyrs under the cursed and bloody Henry VIII, King of England. This king, blinded by vice, apostatized from the true Catholic Faith, proclaimed himself absolute head of the English Church. In his reign there began a most beautiful and glorious epoch for the Church; since the persecution of this tyrant adorned the Church with innumerable martyrs. England herself provided the seed of martyrdom, since a considerable number of English resisted firm in their Catholic Faith. We wish to remind all the Church of the example of famous Catholic Ireland, which endured terrible persecutions under Henry VIII, under that other demon Elizabeth I, and under other kings. It would be too difficult to estimate the number of Irish martyrs. Many of these martyrs remain anonymous, known only to God. Without doubt their names are written in gold in those books the Angels keep for martyrs.

We desire to recall for the Church, that the chain of martyrs continued to be fashioned, link after link. We recall the terrible persecutions carried out by satanic Masonry. Again We desire courageously to declare, with voice firm and strong, that Masonry is the invention of Satan to attempt the destruction of the Church. We desire to remind all the faithful of the innumerable martyrs of the terrible Marxist, Communist and Socialist persecution. Again, We are compelled to speak of Catholic Spain; since this nation endured the terrible and horrendous persecutions of the Communists during the diabolical 2nd. Spanish Republic. One day, not distant, We will elevate to the altars the innumerable martyrs of Spain, vilely murdered by the Communists. The love and protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary gave us a saintly leader, Francisco Franco, Supreme Chief of the Holy Spanish Crusade against Communism. We, to do truth the honour, have this to say, that the 40 years of the charismatic government of Franco, have been the years of the most beautiful and holy peace in the history of Spain. Very beloved children, now We speak in prophecy, in order that you be prepared. Spain will fall again for a time, and will live under Communist tyranny. The same murderers, cruel and criminal, the demons who martyred so many Catholics during the Republic, have returned to occupy the benches in the Spanish Parliament. The blood of many martyrs claims holy vengeance upon these accursed Communists. Most beloved children; entreat the Virgin of the Pillar to remember the promise She made to the Apostolic Santiago. In the name of this promise, with anguish ‑ We beseech that the Faith of Spain be preserved until the consummation of the ages. Very beloved sons, take heart, prepare another sacred crusade. While God give Us the strength, you will not lack Our encouragement and Apostolic Blessing.

We, as Vicar of Christ on earth, as Supreme Pontiff, courageously, through this Document, hurl excommunication at the Spanish Government. Either we are with Christ, or we are against Christ. Beloved children, if the hour for Our martyrdom has struck, pray for Us, since We are flesh and blood, with natural fear of martyrdom, ‑however, the Power of God, the protection of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Theresa of Jesus, the Apostle Santiago and your prayers, will make possible the courage and strength We need.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, assisted by the Holy Ghost, and with full knowledge of the facts, head this list with the towering figure of Francisco Franco, raising him to the glory of the altar. We continue this exalted list with Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, murdered by the Communists, 20th. September, 1936, in the prison of Alicante. And We add the great Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco. We unite with these three illustrious Saints, the hundreds of thousands of martyrs of the holy Crusade of Spain against Communism. This is done independently of the day when the same is done separately for certain outstanding martyrs.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, raise to the glory of the altar, in addition to the three named above, the following members of the Mystical Body of Christ:

We desire to acquaint the whole Church with some facts about the Saints We today have raised to the glory of the altars. We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, guarantee and assure, ‑ pledging Our word, ‑ the sanctity and heroic virtue of all the Saints We today offer for all the faithful as model and example. We exhort all the faithful to esteem most sweetly the veneration of these Saints, entreating their intercession before the exalted Throne of the Queen of All Saints, the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of the Church.

1.   Saint Francisco Franco Bahamonde.  He was born on the 4th. of December, 1892, in El Ferrol, Province of La Coruna. He was reared in the heart of a Christian family, where he learned the holy fear of God. He made the army his career, and at the age of 34 years was General, having won many battles in Africa. The 18th. July, 1936, he rose in armed combat against the Second Spanish Republic. The war of Franco was given the title of Holy Crusade by the Holy See. During the war, the General had several Visions of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, of the Apostle Santiago, and of other Saints. On the 1st. of April, 1939, he communicated to the Spanish, the last part of the war: "This very day, the red army being captured and disarmed, the national troops have achieved their final military objectives. The war is at an end." Saint Francisco Franco was the unconquered Caudillo (leader) of the war against Communism, and he was also the Caudillo of the peace that followed. During his charismatic Headship of State, he restored the Sacred Crucifix to all official places. He restored holy respect for the Catholic Church, making it the Official and only Religion of State and Fatherland. He continually supported the building of Churches, Seminaries, Sanctuaries and so forth. He renewed the Consecration of Spain to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. He presided in the great solemnities of the Church in the various Provinces. He had the pious custom of remaining long hours before the Most Holy Sacrament Exposed, on many occasions, before making an important decision in the Government of the Nation. He had a most special devotion to the Most Holy Virgin, to the Apostle Santiago, Patron of Spain, and to the Mystical Doctor Saint Theresa of Jesus. The whole time he lived as Head of State, he had on the table at which he worked an incorrupt hand of Saint Theresa, which he had rescued from being profaned by the Communist troops. The Holy See conceded to him the grace and privilege of retaining the hand, under the condition that at his death it be returned to the Carmelite Convent of the city of Ronda, in the Province of Malaga. The life of this exceptional man, whether as Catholic or as Spaniard, was irreproachable. During many years, he endured the incomprehension and the masonic attacks of the majority of the Nations. The 20th November, 1975, he gave up his soul to God, leaving Spain an orphan. Even now we recall the beauty of his paternity. Can there be a greater happiness for a nation than to have a Head of State who is a Saint?

As a beautiful lesson for generations present and future, We reproduce his testament: "Spaniards, the hour has struck for me to render my life to the Most High, and to stand before His unappealable  Judgement. I beseech God graciously to receive me into His Presence, since I have wished to live and die a Catholic. In the Name of Christ is my honour, and it has been my constant will to be a faithful son of the Church, in whose bosom I am going to die. I beg pardon of all, as I from my heart pardon all who, without my knowing, have declared themselves enemies of mine. As I desire it, so I believe, ‑ I have had no enemies other than those enemies of Spain, Spain whom I love to my last moment, and whom I have promised to serve to the last breath of life, ‑ which now is at hand. I wish to give thanks to those who have collaborated with enthusiasm, devotion and self‑denial, in the high enterprise to make Spain one, great, and free. For the love I feel for our Nation, I entreat you, persevere in unity and peace; rally round the future King of Spain, Don Juan Carlos de Bourbon, ‑ and in every moment, give him the same affection and loyalty you have given me, ‑ the same support and collaboration which I have received from you. Do not forget, ‑ the enemies of Spain and Christian civilisation are alert. Be alert yourselves as well, and put away every personal motive that stands in the way of the supreme interests of the Nation and people of Spain. Do not be slow to attain social justice and culture for all of Spain, and make this a principal objective. Maintain the unity of the lands of Spain, exalting the rich multiplicity of its regions as founts of strength for the unity of the Nation. I would desire in my last moment, to unite the names of God and of Spain, to embrace all of you in order to cry out one last time, at the threshold of death, "Spain Arise! Viva Espana!"

We wish to recall that the death of Saint Francisco Franco coincides providentially with the day of martyrdom of the founder of the Spanish Falange. We pray the Apostle Santiago, that the invincible sword of Saint Francisco Franco, continue to flourish on High, in order to fortify authentic Catholics in the holy warfare against Masonry and Communism,

2.   Saint Joseph Anthony Primo de Rivera, Martyr.  He was born in Madrid in 1903. He studied Law, having been reared in a Christian atmosphere, in the heart of a Spanish noble family, the Marquees of Estella. His life was always that of a good Catholic and patriot. He founded the Spanish Falange, the 29th. October, 1933, whose pledge it was to restore spiritual and patriotic values to Spain. He rose up against Marxism with his doctrine and with his ever courageous speeches. The Communists took him prisoner, and executed him at 6 in the morning of the 20th. November, 1936, in the Model Prison of Alicante. Saint Joseph Anthony Primo de Rivera offered his life as a holocaust for God and for Spain. At the time of his death, he had attained the perfect age of 33 years. For their importance, We select a few words of his testament;

"Condemned yesterday to death, I pray God, if yet He does not free me from this grave appointment, to keep me to the end in that honourable resignation, with which I now await it, ‑ and, in judging my soul, not to apply the measure of my merits, but rather that of His Infinite Mercy . . .  As for my near death, I behold it with no pleasure since, at my age, it is not a joy to die, ‑ however, without protest. God our Lord accept it, for what there be in it of sacrifice, to satisfy in part for the selfishness and vanity of much of my life. With all my soul, I pardon without exception, all who might have harmed or offended me. And I beg pardon of those to whom I am indebted, for any offence, great or small . . .  I desire to be buried according to the rite of the Religion I profess, Catholic, Apostolic, Roman, in blessed earth, and under the protection of the Holy Cross . . ."

3.   Saint Louis Carrero Blanco, Martyr.  He was born in the locality of Santona, Province of Santander. He was always distinguished for being a Christian gentleman and patriot. He was Admiral of the Spanish fleet. During the Holy Crusade, he steadily fought against Communism at the orders of the Holy Caudillo, and during the peace, he was always his great collaborator. He was a man of irreproachable life, and was vilely murdered, the 20th. December, 1974. His murderers knew exactly the path he took daily to go to the Palace of the Presidency of the Government, of which he was President. Each morning, before going to his governmental duties, he heard holy Mass and received Holy Communion. The very day the vile crime was committed, he had some short minutes earlier, heard holy Mass and received Holy Communion.

4.   Saint Thomas Abel, Martyr.  English Priest, Chaplain and teacher of the Queen, Catherine of Aragon, spouse of King Henry VIII. The 30th, July, 1540, he was executed without judgement, having been condemned as guilty of high treason for defending the Pope, and for denying the spiritual supremacy of the King of England.

5.   Saint James Bell, Martyr.  English Priest, who became a Protestant, and afterwards was reconciled with Rome.  He was martyred 10th. April, 1584.

6.   Saint Raphael Corby, (Corbington), Martyr.  He had been born in Ireland. He was a Jesuit Priest, who studied in Seville and Valladolid. In 1632, he returned to the English mission, where he laboured. with tireless zeal during 12 years among the dispersed and terrified faithful of Durham County, where his family lived. He was condemned for being a Priest, and was hanged, drawn and quartered, 7th. September, 1644.

7.   Saint Edward Campion (Edwards), Martyr.  Born in Wales, he was ordained Priest in 1587, and solely for this reason, he was condemned and executed. His martyrdom took place 1st. October, 1588.

8.   Saint Hugh Faringdon (Cook). Martyr.  English Priest, and Abbot of the Benedictine Convent at Reading. He was martyred 15th. November, 1539, for not handing over his Abbey to the King.

9.   Saint Richard Fetherston, Martyr.  This English Priest was tutor of Princess Mary. He was condemned without trial, hanged, drawn and quartered, 30th. July, 1540.

10. Saint John Forest, Martyr.  English Franciscan Priest, confessor of the Queen, Catherine of Aragon. Death by fire, 22nd. May, 1538.

11. Saint John Haile, Martyr.  English Priest, one of the first martyrs. Executed 7th May, 1535.

12. Saint Everard Hanse.  English Priest, ordained 1581, martyred 3lst July, 1581.

13. Saint John Larke, Martyr.  English Priest, condemned for not acknowledging the pretensions of Henry VIII.  Executed 7th. March, 1544.

14. Saint Thomas Maxfield, Martyr.  English Priest, condemned for being a Priest. Martyred the 1st. of July, 1616.

15. Saint Humphrey Middlemore, Martyr.  English Carthusian Priest. Condemned for not accepting the doctrines of Henry VIII.  Martyred 1535.

16. Saint George Napper (Napier), Martyr.  English Priest, condemned and martyred 9th. November, 1610.

17. Saint Thomas Plumtree, Martyr.  English Priest, Chaplain of the insurgents in the rebellion of the North. Martyred 4th. January, 1570.

18. Saint Edward Powell, Martyr.  Welsh Priest, condemned without trial, and martyred on 30th. July, 1540.

19. Saint Philip Powell (Morgan), Martyr.  English Benedictine. Martyred for being a Priest, 30th. July, 1662.

20. Saint William Ward (Webster), Martyr.  English Priest, ordained 1608.  Condemned for being a Priest, and after 20 years' prison, was martyred 26th, July, 1641.

21. Saint Richard Whiting, Martyr.  English Benedictine Abbot. Condemned for not handing over his Monastery to the King. Martyred 15 November, 1539.

22. Saint Thomas Woodhouse, Martyr.  English Jesuit Priest, martyred after 12 years of prison, 19th. of June, 1573.

23. Saint James Duckett, Martyr.  Born in Gilfortriggs, Westmoreland. In London he learned the printer's trade. He was Protestant, and became Catholic after reading the book, "The firm foundation of the Catholic Religion". The life of this Saint was altogether exemplary. He married a Catholic widow, and devoted himself to the sale of books of consolation and instruction for Catholics, in order thus to help other souls. This was such a dangerous occupation at the time that, of his 12 years of married life, he spent 9 in prison, in various English towns. Through information given by a certain Peter Bullock, who had bound several of the Saint's books, and who was hoping thus to gain a commutation of sentence of death due to him for a crime of his, the Tribunal declared Saint James guilty of felony, and condemned him to death. The spouse of the Saint went to visit him in prison, weeping unconsolably. Saint James said to her; "If they had named me secretary or treasurer of the King, you would not cry. Now that I am going to be near the Throne of the King of Kings, you ought not to shed tears. From above, I shall be able to do you much more good, provided you continue to serve God in the unity of the Church. I hold it is a great favour of God to die between thieves, like my Master and Lord." With all his heart, in spite of the betrayal, the Saint pardoned his informer, who was executed beside him. Shortly before dying, he urged the other to die in the Catholic Church, and kissed him when they put the rope around his neck. He was martyred 19th, April, 1602.

24. Saint John Felton, Martyr  This English gentleman published the Bull of Saint Pius V "Regnans in Excelsis", against Queen Elizabeth I. The Bull excommunicated the Queen, declared her deprived of throne, and freed Catholics from their oath of fidelity, because the Queen had proclaimed herself head of the Church in England, had given protection to several heretics, oppressed the Catholics, driven her subjects into heresy and the repudiation of the Holy See. Queen Elizabeth was Catholic at the start, but of course only in appearance. Saint John Felton was martyred on a scaffold placed before the door on which he had posted the Papal Bull.  Pointing to the door of the Cathedral, he said; "There I nailed the Bull of the Supreme Pontiff against the Queen pretender, and there I desire to die for the Catholic Faith". His martyrdom was on the 8th. August, 1570.

25. Saint Adrian Fortescue, Martyr.  English Knight of Saint John of Jerusalem. Condemned without trial and martyred 9th. July, 1539.

26. Saint William Howard, Martyr.  English Viscount, grandson of Saint Philip Howard, converted to the Catholic Faith; on the 29th, December, 1680, he became the last martyr of that period.

27. Saint Margaret Pole, Martyr.  Belonged to the Royal Family. When Henry VIII ascended the throne, Saint Margaret was a widow with five children. The king, who regarded her as the holiest woman in England, greatly favoured her, and named her Countess of Salisbury. When Mary Tudor was born, Saint Margaret was appointed her governess. However, the Saint openly disapproved of the marriage of the king with Anne Boleyn. This cost her position in court, and the favour of the king. The fourth child of Saint Margaret was Cardinal Pole, who wrote a tract against the Supremacy of the King in the Church. The king, from then on, sought for a way of doing away with the family of Saint Margaret. The king accused her of high treason, and she was condemned without trial, and decapitated the 28th. May, 1541, being innocent.

28. Saint John Storey, Martyr.  English professor of Civil Law, Member of Parliament, unjustly condemned for treason, and martyred 1st, June, 1571.

29. Saint Raymond Lulio, Martyr.  He was born in Mallorca, Spain, in 1232. In his youth he led a worldly and sinful life. At the age of 30 he had a vision of the Crucified Christ, and this reoccurred several times. Moved to conversion, he distributed his wealth among the poor, and went on Pilgrimage to Santiago, in order to implore the help of the Apostle. His purpose was an apostolate to the Mohammedans, for which he prepared himself during several years study of theology and the humanities, in order to acquire a solid foundation for the evagelization of the Mohammedans. He made three apostolic voyages to Africa, preaching the Holy Gospel in the streets, but without great fruit, for want of help from the Pope and from the ecclesiastical authorities. He entered the Third Order of Franciscans. He was stoned by the Arabs in Bougie, and died as a result, 29th June, 1316.

30. Saint Simon de Rojas. Trinitarian Priest, was born in Valladolid, and appointed Confessor of the spouse of King Philip III of Spain. As he was at the Royal Court, he brought great influence to bear on the nobility, for preserving and elevating their moral life. When the Spanish Capital, Madrid, was infected with an outbreak of plague, the Saint made all preparations for going out to succour the afflicted. The King prohibited this, fearing that the contagion would be brought to the Court. However, he said to the King; "The houses of the sick meet my needs better than do the palaces of kings, and as I find myself obliged to choose, I will leave the Court."  Besides being missionary, he was Founder of the Brotherhood of the Ave Maria. He died in 1624, and was Beatified in 1776.

31. Saint Mary Assumption Pallota. She was born 20th August 1878, in Force (Ancona), Italy. After leading a life of hard work and sacrifice in her native city, fasting three times a week, wearing hair shirts, and performing great mortifications, she entered the Missionary Franciscans of Mary, 5th. May, 1898. There she distinguished herself for her love of simple and humble work. In 1904, she was sent as missionary to Chan‑si, China, fulfilling a desire she had manifested to her Superiors. She suffered the most severe interior trials, to the extreme of coming to believe that she herself was unfaithful to her vocation. Infected with typhus, and after great suffering, she died 7th. April, 1905, repeating the words; "Eucharist, Eucharist."  Her death was accompanied by a mysterious perfume, aroma of incense, of roses and violets. In 1915, her tomb was opened, and her body was found incorrupt. She was Beatified by His Holiness Saint Pius XII the Great, 7th, November, 1954.

32. Saint Valentine Berrio Ochoa, Martyr.  This holy Spaniard was born and reared in the Basque country of Spain. After plying the trade of carpenter, he entered the Seminary, later receiving the Dominican habit with the express condition of going on the missions. In 1856 he reached Tonkin. Some months later he was named Vicar Apostolic. During a terrible persecution he received the palm of martyrdom, 1st. Nov. 1861. He was Beatified early this century.

33. Saint Bonaventure of Barcelona. His name in the world was Michael Baptist Gran, and he was born in Riudoms (Tarragona), 24th, November, 1620. Out of obedience to his parents, he contracted marriage, although he was inclined to the Religious life.  His spouse died after a few months, and he entered the Franciscan Order, 14th July, 1640. Later, through Divine inspiration, he went to Italy and visited several Sanctuaries. In Assisi, in the Church of St. Damian, he heard the Voice of the Most Blessed Virgin, Who said to him, as before She had told him in Spain; "Go to Rome and bring joy to My house." There he founded several Franciscan Houses of Retreat of the Province of Rome. He died the 11th, September, 1684, in the Palatine Retreat House, also founded by him, and there his remains are venerated. He was Beatified by St. Pius X in 1906.

34. Saint Matthew Talbot. He was born in Dublin, 2nd. May, 1856. Since early youth, and for many years, he was grievously taken to alcohol. In 1884, he was converted; and giving heroic resistance to temptation, with one stroke, he took himself away from his vice, and gave himself over to a life of intense prayer and penance, practising every kind of mortification, in order to make continual reparation to God. He was truly devoted to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, and greatly loved the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The 7th. June, 1925, while walking quickly in order to hear Mass, he died before the Church.

35. Saint Marina de Escobar. Spanish Religious of the Brigittine Order.  With the help of the Jesuit Father Luis de Ia Puente, she achieved a reform of the Order, which was called the Brigittine Recolects. She wrote its constitutions, subsequently approved by Urban VIII. She died in 1663.

36. Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez. The Priest Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez was born in Valladolid. He died in 1616. He was a great mystic and author, among other works, of the famous 'Exercises of Perfection and Christian Virtues", of which Directors of souls have said that it has led as many souls to Heaven as there are sands of the ocean.

37. Saint Luis de Ia Puente.  He was born in Valladolid. He died in 1624. Profound theologian, and a favourite author of Spanish ascetic writings. Worthy of particular note is the book 'Meditations and Spiritual Guide'.

38. Saint Manuel Padial.  He was one of the Superiors of Saint Bernard Francis Hoyos, for whom he had great devotion. He died in the odour of sanctity, 28th. April, 1728.

39. Saint John Sullivan.  He was born in Ireland in 1861, of a Protestant father and Catholic mother. He was a professed Protestant, but thanks to his mother, a fervent Catholic, he was converted at the age of 35. He changed his life completely, ridding himself of worldly vanities; and he gave himself up to a life of prayer and penance. In 1900, to become Priest, he entered the Society of Jesus. During more than 30 years of Religious life, he was an example of fidelity to the rules, of prayer, humility and poverty. He especially took on the poor, the sick and the dying, for whom he had both love and miracles. After a painful illness he gave up his soul to God, at the age of 71, the 19th. of February, 1933.

40. Saint Celia Guerin Mace. Saint Celia Guerin was the Mother of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, discalced Carmelite of Lisieux. She was born in Saint Denis ‑ Sarthe (Orne, France), 23rd. December, 1831. Later, her family lived in Alencon. Saint Zelie sought admission to the Daughters of Charity of Alencon. But God had planned for her to be spouse and exemplary mother. She married Louis Joseph Stanislaos Martin Boureau, on the 13th July 1858. As the result of being struck in the chest by a corner of a table before her marriage, after 20 years there developed a fibroid tumour. The Saint died on the Feast of Saint Augustine, 28th. August, 1877, after many years of acute suffering, and her body rests in Lisieux. Saint Celia was a model of virtues, ‑ of the industrious woman, of the loving spouse, the conscientious mother, who took good care of all her duties. In all her trials and sufferings, she' was resigned and heroic, to the degree that led her Confessor to say; "I have known many a valiant woman, but no one as valiant as you."

41. Saint Louis Joseph Estanislaos Martin Boureau. He was born in Bordeaux, 23rd. August, 1823. He was the father of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, of Lisieux, and was employed as a watchmaker. He desired to enter the Abbey of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, founded by St. Bernard in the Swiss Alps, whither he went, seeking admittance. For lack of ecclesiastical studies he could not be admitted, so he returned to Normandy with the intention of studying Latin with the Parish Priest of Saint Leonard's of Alencon. But falling ill, he went to Paris to improve his skill as watchmaker. The 13th July 1858, he married Saint Celia Guerin, and set himself up in Alencon, where his daughters were born. At the death of his holy spouse, he took up residence in Lisieux. In 1889, he suffered a double paralysis which disturbed his faculties. After five and a half years of suffering, he died in the Castle of la Musse, assisted by his daughter Celine. He had an upright character, exemplary, tactful, affable, and kindly. Saint Theresa herself says of her parents; "God in his goodness gave me a father and mother more worthy of Heaven than of earth." His body rests in Lisieux beside that of his holy spouse. For more about the life of these two Saints, one should read the autobiography of Saint Theresa, "History of a Soul."

42. Saint Mary Faustina Kowalska da Lodz. This Polish Saint, on the 22nd. February 1931, had her first Vision and Message of the merciful Jesus.  She was a Religious of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Mother of God (Magdalenes of Plock, Poland). The Lord said to her; "Paint an image of Me, according to the vision you have of Me, with the inscription, 'Jesus, I place my trust in Thee!'" She is the messenger of devotion to the Divine Mercy, through the image of the Merciful Jesus, whose feast is the first Sunday after Easter,

43. Saint Josefa Menendez.  She was born in Madrid, 4th. February, 1890. At the age of seven, she made her first confession to Father Jose M Rubio, a Jesuit of acknowledged sanctity, whose cause of Beatification has already begun. The soul of this Saint developed under the spiritual direction of this future Saint. Great sufferings and desolations purified the soul of Saint Josefa Menendez, until finally there opened the gates of the Divine Heart, and she entered as a Religious in the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Poitiers, France. Hers was a mission of victim and Messenger of the Sacred Heart, in order that all might know the mercy of the Heart of Christ. She lived a short time in this Monastery, 4 years, dying a holy death at the age of 33, on the 29th. of December, 1923.

44. Saint Vidal Luis Gomara, Martyr. He was born on the 3rd. November, 1891, in Monsagro (Salamanca). He entered the Dominican Order, where he was ordained to the Priesthood. He was a great apostle in preaching, and in writing. In his first Mass he had offered himself as victim for the offences against Christ in the Eucharist. His burning love for souls turned him into a hero of charity during the red domination in Madrid, bringing the consolation of Confession and Communion to very many souls persecuted by the Communists. On one of his missions he was detained by the Communists, and after a horrible martyrdom was buried, still alive, in Paracuellos de Jarama (Madrid), on the 18th. of November, 1936.

45. Saint Bernard Francis de Hoyos.  This Spanish Saint was born 21st. August, 1711, in Torrelobaton (Valladolid). He entered the Society of Jesus. He had his first Visions 3rd. December, 1726. In one of these he saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus, from which issued numerous rays that penetrated the heart of the Saint. The Lord said to him; "I will reign in Spain with more predilection than in other parts." This is the great promise of the Sacred Heart to Saint Bernard Francis de Hoyos. He is the great apostle of the Sacred Heart in Spain. He had a great love for the Most Holy Virgin, the Angels and the Saints. After a life of great virtues, great sufferings and mortifications, he died 29th. November, 1735. In Valladolid was built the Sanctuary of the Great Promise. Father Loyola said of him; "I can say for the glory of God and for the good repute of the virtue of this saintly youth, that having heard his Confessions on several occasions, generally during his noviciate, I do not recall that he had ever lost the grace received in Holy Baptism."

46. Saint Maria Rafael Arnaiz Baron. He was born in Burgos, 9th. April, 1911. He was a model of docility, of angelic candour, and faithful to all his duties. While preparing for a career in architecture, he went on an excursion to the Trappist Monastery of Saint Isidore of Duenas (Palencia), and was truly impressed by the life of the Monks. At the age of 22, he entered the same Monastery. His vocation is mirrored in these words; "Between the world and my soul is a barrier. This barrier is my love for God, and cannot be made compatible with the world, where darkness reigns." His love for the Most Holy Virgin was very intense. Having being ill almost all the time he was in the Monastery, he died, 26th April, 1938, having prophesied the moment of his death.

47. Saint Damien de Veuster. This Saint, called the Apostle of the Lepers, was born in La Ninde (Tremelo, Louvain, Belgium), 3rd. January, 1840. At the age of 18 he entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of the Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. In 1863, he went on the mission to the Hawaiian islands, where he was ordained Priest. He voluntarily sacrificed himself for Christ in the island of Molokai, the island of the lepers. For love of Christ, and for love of souls, he generously endured the putrefaction of that abandoned island, where once having entered, there was no possible retreat. Saint Damian was the consolation of those disease‑ridden exiles, and many were the conversions of those who saw the Saint's heroic example. Infected with the disease, he became a leper, and consummated his immolation. He died 15th. April, 1889.

48. Saint Theresa Gonzalez ‑ Quevado Cadarso of Jesus. This great Saint, popularly called Teresita, was born in Madrid on the 14th April, 1930. At the age of 18, she entered the Congregation of the Sister Carmelites of Charity, founded by Saint Joachina of Vedruna, at the Novitiate of Carabanchel of Madrid. Her love for the Most Holy Virgin was so deep, and in so great degree had she penetrated the Heart of the Queen of Heaven, that she was well called; "the Virgin's enamoured" or "the Virgin's fool". With the motto "Mother of mine, let him who sees me, see Thee", ‑passes the life in the Convent of this great Saint. Her desire is to please the Most Holy Virgin by fulfilling the rules of the Order, doing ordinary things with extraordinary perfection. After a very painful illness, lasting more than 2 months, she died of tubercular meningitis at the Novitiate, 8th. April, 1950, after having made her vows before the prescribed time.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, desire to reveal Our Pontificate as a great splendour of the Church, because it is thus in the plans of God, through His infinite mercy and through no merit of Ours. We desire to exhort all the faithful to have special devotion for the Saints who suffered terrible persecutions, and for the Saints who bravely offered their lives in defense of the Catholic Faith.

We, in the present Document, wish to make a correction in Document 14. We wish to clarify that Saint Theresa Higginson was not born in Liverpool; she was born in Wales. We wish also to clarify that besides distinguishing herself regarding the devotions of the Most Precious Blood and the Sacred Head, she excels in that of the Most Sacred Heart.

We, as Universal Doctor of the Church, in the present Document, solemnly declare and proclaim;

1.   Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church. This great Spanish Saint was born in Almodover del Campo, in New Castile. He was a friend of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and spiritual counsellor of Saint Teresa, Saint John of God, Saint Francis Borgia, Saint Peter of Alcantra, and of Luis de Granada.  He studied philosophy and theology in the University of Alcala. Immediately after his ordination to the Priesthood, he distributed among the poor the wealthy estate he had inherited from his parents. He possessed an extraordinary eloquence, and worked tirelessly for 9 years on the missions in Andalucia. Men and women of all ages, classes, sciences and letters, went to hear him.  He preached as though he were directly inspired by God, since his only preparation was prayer and intense love of God. He was accused before the Inquisition in Seville, but his enemies could not prove their accusations. Then he went as missioner through all of Spain. Many were those who were converted through the preaching of Saint John of Avila. His writings are famous and outstanding among them are his letters, and the tract "Audi Filia", ‑ "Hear 0 Daughter". He was Beatified in 1894, and canonised by Pope Paul VI. His body rests in the Jesuit Church in Montilla.

2.   Saint Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort, Doctor of the Church.  Founder of the Company of Mary, and of the Daughters of Wisdom.  Besides his verses and hymns, the best known of his works is the tract "True Devotion to the Most Holy Virgin Mary".  He was Canonised by Pope Saint Pius XII the Great, in 1947. We recall the pious and consoling reading from the works of these two Doctors of the Church, each with a distinct quality, speaking a mystical doctrine. Especially to bear in mind for these last times, ‑ Saint Louls‑Marie Grignon de Montfort, ‑ whose teaching we can call Exalted Marian Doctrine. Reading his works will enlighten and fortify the faithful in this sublime hour of the Marian Apostles, ‑ in this critical hour of the Church in the catacombs.

Given in Seville, at the Apostolic See, 24th. September, Feast of Our Lady of Ransom, the Year of Our Lord Jesus Christ MCMLXXVIII.

With Our Apostolic Blessing.

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