Organizers named 5 patron saints, 13 intercessors for World Youth Day Rio

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MANILA—A year and one month before the World Youth Day celebration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, organizers named five patron saints and thirteen intercessors for the 2013 celebration.

Our Lady of Aparecida, the patroness of Brazil, together with Sts. Sebastian, a soldier who served under the Roman Empire but left the service because it persecuted Chrisitans; Anthony of Galvao, a Franciscan and the first saint of Brazil; Therese of Lisieux, patroness of mission; and Blessed John Paul II, the founder of the World Youth Days; are the patron saints for the big event.

Interecessors are St. Rose of Lima, the first female saint of Latin America; Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian who dedicated his life to helping the poor; Blessed Chiara Luce Badano, who suffered from cancer and offered her pain for the salvation of others; Blessed Frederick Ozanam, a French blessed and founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul who works for charity for the poor; Blessed Adilio Daronch, who was murdered together with Fr. Manuel Gomez Gonzalez for being Christian; St. Terese of Andes, a contemplative nun from Chile; and, Blessed Jose de Anchieta who preached throughout Brazil in the 16th century.

Other intercessors are Blessed Isidore Bakanja, a Jesuit missionary who served in Brazil; Blessed Irma Dulce, a Brazilian nun who dedicated her life to helping the sick and the poor in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil; St. George, a soldier from the Roman Empire who converted to Christianity, he was beheaded because of it; Blessed Laura Vicuña, offered the pain of her disease for the conversion of her mother; St. Andrew Kim, the first Korean priest and was martyred during the Joseon Dynasty for practicing Christianity; and Blessed Albertina Berkenbrock, a Brazilian girl who was murdered at the age of 12 for refusing to engage in a sexual relationship.

Here in the Philippines, several young people who are planning to attend the international gathering said that they will pray for the success of the event through the intercession of the five saints and intercessors. (Jandel Posion)