Pope Leo XIV has authorized the promulgation of decrees for three Servants of God, recognizing their heroic virtues and declaring them Venerable. The three individuals are Colombian Sister Agnese Arango Velásquez, Indian Bishop Matthew Makil, and Spanish Bishop Alessandro Labaka Ugarte.
Bishop Alessandro Labaka Ugarte and Sister Agnese Arango Velásquez were martyred in 1987 while defending the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Ecuadorian rainforest. They were part of a mission to evangelize the Huaorani people and protect them from the encroachment of oil and logging companies. Despite knowing the risks, they chose to initiate dialogue with the Tagaeri tribe, and their bodies were found pierced with spears and arrows.
Bishop Labaka, a Capuchin friar, was born in Spain in 1920 and served as a missionary in China and Ecuador. He was consecrated a bishop in 1984 and continued his work among the Indigenous peoples, establishing contact with the Tagaeri ethnic group.
Sister Agnese, a Colombian nun, joined the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family and dedicated herself to evangelizing the Huaorani people. She worked closely with Bishop Labaka and shared his commitment to protecting the rights of the Indigenous peoples.
Bishop Matthew Makil, an Indian bishop, was born in 1851 and served as a priest and Vicar General of Kottayam. He founded the Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and worked tirelessly to promote education, catechetical formation, and peace between rival communities. His episcopal motto, “God is my hope,” guided his efforts to bring peace and reconciliation.
The recognition of these three individuals as Venerable is a testament to their heroic virtues and dedication to their faith.