Saint Charles of Mount Argus

(Photo: Reuters)

We gathered at Saint Peter’s on a very wet Sunday morning to celebrate the Canonisation of Father Charles of Mount Argus and three other new saints. Each new saint had a crowd of pilgrims, including among them four presidents, one for each saint: the Presidents of Malta, Poland, the Philippines and Ireland. Here is a close-up of the image of Saint Charles we saw hanging in Saint Peter’s Square today. (Photo: Reuters)

Pope Benedict described Saint Charles of Mount Argus with these words: During his many years of priestly ministry in England and Ireland, the people flocked to him to seek out his wise counsel, his compassionate care and his healing touch. In the sick and the suffering he recognized the face of the Crucified Christ, to whom he had a lifelong devotion. He drank deeply from the rivers of living water that poured forth from the side of the Pierced One, and in the power of the Spirit he bore witness before the world to the Father’s love. At the funeral of this much-loved priest, affectionately known as Father Charles of Mount Argus, his superior was moved to observe: ‘The people have already declared him a saint’.

I was privileged to concelebrate with the Holy Father today. Fortunately, we were allowed to use umbrellas; the red one at the end of the line of concelebrants (on the left-hand side) belongs to Father Kenneth Brady C.P. from Mount Argus community. (Photo: Associated Press)

Here, the Postulator General of the Passionists, Father Giovanni Zubiani C.P., stands holding a black umbrella as Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins asks Pope Benedict XVI to enrol George Preca, Simon of Lipnica, Charles (Houben) of Saint Andrew and Marie-Eugene (Milleret) of Jesus among the saints. (Photo: Associated Press)

The most essential pilgrim’s item today seems to have been an umbrella. Unfortunately, because of the sea of umbrellas, it was difficult for pilgrims to see the altar. However, the rain didn’t dampen their enthusiasm. (Photo: Associated Press)

After the Mass, Pope Benedict met the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. In the afternoon, President McAleese came to the Basilica of Saints John and Paul to venerate the relic of Saint Charles and pray at the tomb of Saint Paul of the Cross. She also visited the monastery to see Saint Paul’s cell where he died in 1775 and to meet the community. President McAleese was baptised by a Passionist, Father Anselm, and her guiding light was another Passionist, the late Father Justin; both of them are classmates of our own Father Hubert who celebrated his sixtieth jubilee of ordination here in Rome last Thursday.