Blessed Armida Barelli, OFS (1882-1952), the foundress of the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ, and Blessed Mario Ciceri, a diocesan priest, were beatified in Milan on April 30.

Pope Francis said on May 1 that Ciceri “was a country deputy parish priest; he devoted himself to prayer and confession, visited the sick and stayed beside the boys at the oratory, as a gentle educator and safe guide. A shining example of a pastor.”

Barelli, the Pope added, “was the founder and animator of the female youth of Catholic Action. She travelled all over Italy to inspire girls and young women to ecclesial and civil commitment. She collaborated with Father [Agostino] Gemelli to set up a secular women’s institute and the Sacred Heart Catholic University.”