Don Giussani and Carmen Hernández: Diocesan Phases of Beatification Processes Concluded

On the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, Italy, Archbishop Mario Delpini presided over the celebration of the Liturgy of Vespers to conclude the diocesan phase of the process of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Monsignor Luigi Giussani, founder of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation.

In Milan, along with approximately 10,000 people, Dr. Ghisoni was also present

Dr. Linda Ghisoni, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, was present at the ceremony, along with several representatives from other movements. Approximately 10,000 people participated in the event (including those present in person and those tuning in to follow the event live).

Cardinal Farrell: Hernandez is an example of Christian life, faith, love for the Church, the persevering practice of virtues, and zeal for evangelization

On June 2, meanwhile, in the garden of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Madrid, Spain, the closing ceremony of the diocesan phase of the Cause for the beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Carmen Hernández Barrera, co-founder of the Neocatechumenal Way, took place.

On the occasion of the closing ceremony of the diocesan phase of the Cause for the beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Carmen Hernández, Cardinal Kevin Farrell sent a message read by Prof. Ascensión Romero, Consultor to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life and a member of the Leadership Team of the Neocatechumenal Way. “It is a source of great consolation and encouragement for all who belong to the Neocatechumenal Way,” Farrell wrote, “to see that the founder of this Way, together with Kiko Argüello, has been recognized by the local Church of Madrid as an example of Christian life, of faith, of love for the Church, of the persevering practice of the virtues, and of zeal for evangelization.” He also encouraged everyone to continue growing “in holiness, in filial love for the Church, and in missionary zeal.”

60 Years Since the Founding of the Neocatechumenal Way: An Invitation to Live the Charism with Renewed Zeal and Creativity

During the same period, the Neocatechumenal Way also celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding. For the occasion, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life sent a congratulatory message. “I invite you,” the message reads, “to live out your charism with renewed enthusiasm and creativity, interpreting the spiritual needs of people today and bringing them the ever-relevant treasure of faith and ecclesial tradition, just as the founders of the Way did 60 years ago. "

With these two diocesan closures, all the documentation gathered over the years from both processes will be forwarded to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints of the Holy See, where the work carried out will be reviewed and the Dicastery will be responsible for monitoring future developments in the Causes.