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Brazilians Gather To Hail New Saint

Pope Benedict visits Sao Paulo to canonize one of their own

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted May 11, 2007 7:39 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Up to a million spectators will flock to Sao Paulo today to see Pope Benedict XVI canonize the first saint born in Brazil. Friar Galvao, a Franciscan monk who died in 1822, wrote Latin prayers on slips of rice paper that he rolled into "pills," which appeared to cure diseases. Followers still take the pills at a Sao Paulo monastery.

Huge crowds are expected at the pope's appearances in Brazil, the largest Catholic nation in the world. His preaching against abortion, which the country bans, has already generated controversy. Yesterday at a Sao Paulo stadium, young people attending a rally began chanting "yes to life, no to abortion" as the pontiff took the stage. 

Pope Benedict XVI looks at fireworks during an event at the Pacaembu soccer stadium in Sao Paulo, Thursday, May 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Pope Benedict XVI looks at fireworks during an event at the Pacaembu soccer stadium in Sao Paulo, Thursday, May 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)   (Associated Press)
A worshipper reaches to touch an image of Antonio de Sant'Anna Galvao, known as Friar Galvao, as he prays at the Luz Monastery in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, May 8, 2007. Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Galvao, an 18th century Franciscan, during his visit to Brazil May 9-13. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
A worshipper reaches to touch an image of Antonio de Sant'Anna Galvao, known as Friar Galvao, as he prays at the Luz Monastery in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, May 8, 2007. Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Galvao,...   (Associated Press)
Pope Benedict XVI gestures during an event at Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo, Thursday, May 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Pope Benedict XVI gestures during an event at Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo, Thursday, May 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)   (Associated Press)
Bishops wave to Pope Benedict XVI on his popemobile as he arrives at the Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo, Thursday, May 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Bishops wave to Pope Benedict XVI on his popemobile as he arrives at the Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo, Thursday, May 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)   (Associated Press)
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Pope to canonize first Brazilian saint
Associated Press

Brazil, world's biggest Catholic country, to get its first native-born saint
Knight Ridder

 
Pope Benedict XVI • Brazil • Friar Galvao • Sao Paulo • saint • Catholicism

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