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When Catholics gather in churches worldwide tomorrow to honor all of the saints who have done God’s will throughout the ages, they’ll be honoring several “newbies.” Pope Benedict XVI canonized four saints Oct. 12.

St. Alphonsa

Among them was St. Alphonsa Muttathupandathu (1910-1946), a nun from southwestern India, who became the first native of India to be canonized. St. Alphonsa joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation at age 17 and taught for awhile according to Catholic News Service, but was soon confined to the convent because of a succession of illnesses. She said God destined her to be a “sacrifice of suffering.”

The Holy Father also canonized:

• St. Narcia de Jesus Martillo Moran, a 19th-century Ecuadorian known for her deep prayer and penitence. She remained a laywoman, serving as a catechist and a seamstress.
• St. Gaetano Errico, an Italian priest known for the many hours he spent in the confessional.
• Sr. Maria Bernarda Butler, a Swiss nun who founded an order which works especially among native families.

The communion of saints could grow even larger by the time Catholics gather to honor all saints in 2009. Pope Benedict XVI beatified the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux — patron of missions — Oct. 19, World Mission Sunday.  

He beatified four other saints in September and October. The beatification of Pope Pius XII is still in limbo.

-Ambria