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Archbishop Hartmayer Celebrates Mass for Georgia Martyrs' Beatification
Confirmed
In Short: Archbishop Hartmayer of Atlanta presided over a Mass of thanksgiving on Nov. 1, coinciding with the solemnity of All Saints, to celebrate the beatification of the Georgia Martyrs, five Spanish Franciscan friars killed in 1597.
The Mass, held at a full cathedral, included remarks from Archbishop Hartmayer, who noted that the cause for the Georgia Martyrs had been waiting for him when he was ordained bishop of Savannah in 2011.
Archbishop Hartmayer reflected on his role in advancing the cause, stating, 'Saints have lived in all eras, have different personalities, many inspiring stories, including our new blesseds: Pedro, Blas, Miguel, Antonio and Francisco.'
Cardinal Leo, the papal delegate, and other bishops from across the globe, including Bishop Elias Lorenzo of Newark, N.J., Bishop Jeffrey Walsh of Gaylord, Michigan, and Bishop Isaac Dugu of Katsina-Ala, Nigeria, also participated in the Mass.
Archbishop Hartmayer noted the many saints depicted in the cathedral’s windows, saying, 'They are all shades, hues, colors of holiness' like the Beatitudes described in the Mass’ Gospel reading from Matthew 5:1-12.
The Mass program requested that extraordinary favors received from God through the intercession of the Georgia Martyrs be reported to The Cause of the Georgia Martyrs, 2170 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, Georgia, 31404, or thegeorgiamartyrs.org.
Archbishop Hartmayer also expressed gratitude to his predecessors in Savannah and the diocese’s current leader, Bishop Stephen D., for their support in advancing the cause.
The Mass highlighted the dignity of marriage and healthy family life, and the importance of adopting qualities that will bring great rewards in heaven.
Archbishop Hartmayer concluded by inviting the congregation to invoke the intercession of the martyrs for all missionaries of the Gospel and to continue to offer these holy men in various ways.
What's confirmed
- Archbishop Hartmayer reflected on his own role in advancing the cause of Blessed Pedro de Corpa and companions, noting that when he was ordained bishop of Savannah, he found the cause “waiting for me,” and he worked with local Church leaders “to keep it moving” and “to make these men known to south Georgia and beyond,” which he continued in Atlanta, he said.
- Noting the many saints depicted in the cathedral’s windows, he said, “They are all shades, hues, colors of holiness” like the Beatitudes described in the Mass’ Gospel reading from Matthew 5:1-12.
- The Mass of thanksgiving coincided with the solemnity of All Saints, a major feast day in the Church that commemorates all in the communion of saints, including those who have not been formally canonized and do not have a memorial on the Church’s liturgical calendar.
- In remarks at the beginning of Mass, he expressed gratitude to his predecessors in Savannah, the diocese’s current leader Bishop Stephen D.
- “There are many other ways we can continue to offer these holy men,” he said.
- Preaching the Mass’ homily to a full cathedral with many families with children, Bishop Parkes described the saints as “the people who let God’s light shine through them” like stained-glass windows.
- Presiding over the Mass was Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer of Atlanta, who served as bishop of Savannah from 2011 until his appointment to Atlanta in 2020.
What's still developing
- NATIONAL By Maria Wiering, Lauretta Brown, OSV News This is the official image by artist Jared Seff for the beatification of the Georgia Martyrs on Oct.
- With their beatification, the Georgia Martyrs’ cause could advance to canonization with the official recognition of a miracle attributed to their intercession.