Teenager to be canonized with Paul VI and Oscar Romero

As the bishops are discussing young people at the synod, young Nunzio Sulprizio will be declared a saint

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Pope Francis announced today that on October 14, in addition to Paul VI and Oscar Romero, five more people will be canonized, including a young Italian layperson.

The canonization of Blessed Nunzio Sulprizio, who died at age 19, is particularly appropriate as it will take place during the Synod of Bishops on young people and vocation.

Blessed Nunzio Sulpriziowasborn in Pescosansonesco, Italy, on April 13, 1817, and died in Naples on May 5, 1836.

He will be raised to the altars alongside the same pope who beatified him, Paul VI. His beatification took place as the Church was in the midst of the Second Vatican Council on December 1, 1963.

Nunzio lost both of his parents while still a child and was brought up by an uncle, who abused and exploited him, forcing him to work in his blacksmith shop.

The youth found refuge before the Tabernacle where he would keep Jesus company.

Eventually he contracted gangrene and suffered terribly, but was known to say things such as:

Jesus suffered so much for us and by his merits we await eternal life. If we suffer a little bit, we will taste the joy of paradise.

Jesus suffered a lot for me. Why should I not suffer for Him?

I would die in order to convert even one sinner.

When asked who was taking care of him, he would respond: “God’s Providence”.

He died from bone cancer in May of 1836 at age 19.

Other saints

The other four to be canonized October 14 are:

Blessed Francesco Spinelli, Italian diocesan priest and Founder of the Institute of the Sister Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament: 1853-1913.

Blessed Vincenzo Romano, Italian diocesan priest: 1751-1831.

Blessed Maria Caterina Kasper, German foundress of the Institute of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ: 1820-1898.

Blessed Nazaria Ignazia March Mesa (in religion: Nazaria Ignazia di Santa Teresa di Gesù), Spanish foundress of the Congregation of the Misioneras Cruzadas de la Iglesia Sisters: 1889-1943. (She died in Argentina.)