His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI officially recognised heroic virtues and approved the second miracle required for the Canonization of the Blessed Nuno of St. Mary, Carmelite friar. The news was announced by the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints yesterday in published statement. Blessed Nuno of St Mary (Bl Alvares Pereira) died as a simple Carmelite brother on April 1, 1431 and was beatified on January 23, 1918. He entered Carmelite monastery as a widower, but before that, Bl Nuno lived as a nobleman and great knight, and patriotic hero of his native Portugal. He was the Third Count of Ourem and Founder of the Royal House of Braganca. After the marriage of his daughter, he renounced his many titles and gave away all his possessions. One third of his wealth was given to the poor and orphans. He built several churches including the beautiful Carmelite monastery in Lisbon, which he later entered as a humble brother. He did much to spread the devotions of the rosary and the scapular in Portugal and is known as the "Precursor of Fatima", "The Holy Constable", and the "Peacemaker". His memorial Mass is celebrated on April 1.
To read more about Bl Nuno of St Mary and to pray in his honour, please visit following webpages: Blessed Nuno Society
Prayer to Bl Nuno
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