In a monumental development, the Vatican has acknowledged the ‘heroic virtues’ of Antoni Gaudi, famously known as ‘God’s architect,’ marking the first step towards his sainthood. Gaudi is the visionary behind Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família basilica, a masterpiece revered for its spiritual and architectural brilliance.
Many admirers have long celebrated Gaudi’s devotion and the profound religious symbolism inherent in his work, characterized by its towering spires, vibrant ceramics, and flowing lines.
According to The Guardian, “Now it seems the Vatican may be ready to make it official. It said on Monday that Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect behind Barcelona’s Sagrada Família basilica, had been put on the path to sainthood.
Pope Francis had recognized Gaudí’s “heroic virtues” during the 88-year-old’s first official appointment after weeks of illness with life-threatening pneumonia.
Nearly a century since Gaudí’s passing, this recognition marks a significant milestone in the journey to sainthood. Before being canonized, Gaudi must first be beatified.
The awe-inspiring Sagrada Família has been credited with converting many to Catholicism. José Manuel Almuzara, former president of the Gaudí Beatification Society, stated in 2003, “‘There are no serious obstacles’. The society, a movement of 80,000 people worldwide, prays to Gaudí, urging him to perform miracles.”
The Catholic Church began considering his canonization in the early 2000s.
Construction of the Sagrada Família started in 1882 and, over 140 years later, it remains the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church globally. Gaudí devoted the last 12 years of his life to this colossal project. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica in 2010, applauding “the genius of Antoni Gaudí in transforming this church into a praise to God made of stone.”
In a meeting with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Pope authorized Decrees concerning Gaudi and five others, advancing them on their path to sainthood.
As reported by Vatican News, “Born in 1852, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet accepted the task of directing the project of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona in 1883. His focus was making art a hymn of praise to the Lord, considering it his mission to make God known and bring people closer to Him.
On June 7, 1926, Gaudí was tragically struck by a tram. Unrecognized, he was taken to the Hospital de la Santa Creu, the city’s hospital for the poor. After receiving the last sacraments, he passed away three days later, on June 10. His funeral was attended by approximately 30,000 mourners.”
