Spanish Bishops Propose Youth Day Patron

The Bishops recommended Blessed Mary Raphael Arnaiz Baron, better known as "Brother Raphael," as a co-patron for the international event.

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BURGOS, Spain (Zenit.org) - Bishops of Spain are proposing a patron for World Youth Day 2011 -- a young Cistercian to be canonized in October.

In an Aug. 15 pastoral letter, the prelates recommended Blessed Mary Raphael Arnaiz Baron, better known as "Brother Raphael," as a co-patron for the international event. The Pope will preside over the youth day in Madrid in August 2011.

"We trust that Brother Raphael Arnaiz will accompany us as one of the 'co-patrons' of the meeting, so that all the young people of the world might become aware of God's work in this young man of the 20th century," explained the bishops.

The pastoral letter addressed to young people and titled "Seek God's Face," urged: "Let it not be the case that 'those of home' do not know the treasure we have next to us, and that others must come from afar to open our eyes!

"Let us draw near to Brother Raphael, go on pilgrimage to the Trappist monastery of St. Isidore of Duenas to pray at his tomb, let us read his writings, and let us be witnesses of his life and testimony.

"In sum, let us be genuine, like Brother Raphael!"

Brother Raphael (1911-1938) was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Sept. 27, 1992. His canonization will be Oct. 11.