The Bishop of Savannah has called on Catholics to become “joyful witnesses” to the faith as the Church in the American South prepares for the beatification of the Georgia Martyrs later this year. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Bishop Stephen Parkes said the witness of the five 16th-century missionaries remains strikingly relevant in an age when Christian teaching is often misunderstood or resisted.
The beatification, due to take place on 31 October, will mark a rare moment in the life of the Diocese of Savannah, which is preparing to host pilgrims for what Bishop Parkes described as an unusually significant occasion. Cardinal Francis Leo of Toronto is set to preside at the liturgy. Parkes said the diocese is still finalising plans and searching for a venue capable of receiving the large numbers expected.
