Contact: Rev. Kevin Manion, 512-773-5447

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- A petition for a cause of sainthood of Fr. Aloysius Ellacuria, CMF (+1981), has been presented to Archbishop Jose Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California.

This petition for Fr. Aloysius (photo) sainthood is timely. "From my perspective, the Catholic Church urgently needs examples of heroic sanctity and holiness, especially here in California. There is a need to counteract the terrible scandals of the recent past," said the Rev. Kevin Manion, his personal secretary for many years. "Fr. Aloysius was in charge of seminary formation. He trained priests to be holy. If there is anything needed today, it is priests who are holy." Pasadena Star-News

Fr. Aloysius was a well-known Claretian missionary who had a reputation for holiness among clergy and laity within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He was also known as a miracle worker throughout Southern California, Arizona, and Texas.

His assignments with the Claretians included seminary formation, novice master, rector, pastor of parishes, chaplain, and other specialized ministries. Throughout his 50 years of priestly ministry he became an ardent promoter of the message of Our Lady of Fatima. He is a founder of a religious order of men the Missionaries of Perpetual Adoration, located in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico.

During the 1950s and through the 1970s, he was visited by the humble and famous alike. In many cases people reported miraculous cures. Father Aloysius attributed the graces which Our Lord worked though him, to God's mercy. Among his many gifts, Father had the charism of reading souls, expelling demons, and the gift of prophesy.

National Catholic Reporter

Father Aloysius had a "unique presence", as he reflected peace and goodness. He was always grateful to God for the many graces which God granted in request to his prayers on behalf of others. He attributed his special charisms to "God's Divine Mercy" for the salvation of sinners.

A Memorial Mass will be held at his grave site in San Gabriel Mission, San Gabriel, CA (Mission Dr. and Ramona Ave) on Saturday, April 06, 2013 at 10 a.m. Please call the Claretian Missionaries at 626-443-2009 for further information.

Also see the following:

The Tidings

Films and books about Fr. Aloysius Ellacuria, CMF include:

The Angel of Biscay (DVD by Ignatius Press)

Aloysius by Francis Levy

The Life of Fr. Aloysius by Rev. Charles Carpenter, MAP

Sister Mary Mediatrix - A Mystic in America by Jeff Moynihan