Cardinal Frank Leo to preside at Georgia Martyrs beatification

Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto will preside at the beatification Mass for the Georgia Martyrs on Oct. 31 in Savannah, Georgia.

The martyrs were five Spanish Franciscan missionaries from the 16th century who served the indigenous Guale people in the region that is now Georgia.

In an interview with OSV News, Cardinal Leo said the martyrs' example serves as a witness to the call for all Catholics – including clergy, consecrated persons, and the laity – to act as missionaries and pursue holiness. He noted that fulfilling the command to make disciples requires a commitment to the Lord that is supported by prayer and the sacraments.