The Vatican has officially acknowledged the “heroic virtues” of Antoni Gaudi, affectionately dubbed “God’s architect” for his monumental work on Barcelona’s Sagrada Família basilica, marking the initial step on his path to potential sainthood.
For years, Gaudi has been revered by many for his deep spirituality and the intricate religious symbolism embedded within his works, characterized by soaring spires, vibrant ceramics, and flowing designs that seem to echo the divine.
The Guardian reported:
“The Vatican announced on Monday that Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan mastermind behind the Sagrada Família basilica, has been placed on the path to sainthood.”
“Pope Francis recognized Gaudí’s ‘heroic virtues’ during his first official appointment after a serious bout of pneumonia at the age of 88.”
It’s been almost a century since Gaudí’s passing, and this recent declaration signifies the commencement of the lengthy canonization process.
Before achieving sainthood, Gaudí must first be beatified, a crucial step in this sacred journey.
Many followers assert that the breathtaking Sagrada Família has played a pivotal role in converting numerous individuals to Catholicism.
“’There are no serious obstacles,’ stated José Manuel Almuzara, then-president of the Gaudí Beatification Society, back in 2003. He described the society as a global movement of 80,000 individuals who pray to Gaudí, asking for miracles.”
The Catholic Church has been contemplating Gaudí’s canonization since the early 2000s.
“Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882. Over 140 years later, it remains the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the world, even though Gaudí dedicated the last 12 years of his life to this ambitious project.”
“In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica, praising ‘the genius of Antoni Gaudí for transforming this church into a stone hymn of praise to God.’”
In a recent audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis sanctioned the promulgation of decrees concerning Gaudí and several others, advancing them along the path to sainthood.
Vatican News reported:
“Born in 1852, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet took on the monumental task of directing the Sagrada Família project in 1883. His aim was to create art as a hymn of praise to the Lord, believing it to be his divine mission to spread the knowledge of God and bring people closer to Him.”
“Tragically, on June 7, 1926, he was struck by a tram. Not initially recognized, he was taken to the Hospital de la Santa Creu, the city’s facility for the less fortunate. After receiving the last rites, he passed away three days later, on June 10. Approximately 30,000 mourners attended his funeral.”
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