Originally published at Orange County Catholic

A SEAL BEACH PARISH HAD much to celebrate as the great aunt of one of its own became a saint on World Mission Sunday. Holy Family Catholic Church celebrated
the canonization of Mother Marie-Léonie Paradis on with a special speaker, Sr. Kathy Paradis, the great niece of the new saint. Sr. Kathy is a member of the Mission Community of the Holy Spirit and parishioner at Holy Family Church.

MOTHER MARIE-LÉONIE FOUNDED THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY, A CONGREGATION DEDICATED TO COLLABORATION WITH PRIESTS THROUGH PRAYER AND DOMESTIC SERVICE. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

“My family is surprised, really, and also we are kind of overwhelmed at the significance of it,” Sr. Kathy said. “It’s such an honor, such a blessing and in some ways such a responsibility to try to follow her humble love.”

SR. KATHY PARADIS GREETS PARISHIONERS FOLLOWING A CELEBRATION OF THE CANONIZATION OF HER GREAT AUNT, MOTHER MARIE-LÉONIE.

Mother Marie-Léonie (1840 – 1912) was one of 14 people decreed by Pope Francis to be inscribed in the Books of Saints in a Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Oct. 20.

“These new saints lived Jesus’ way: service,” Pope Francis said,

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