Beatification of the Georgia Martyrs: What to expect?

Last updated on: October 24, 2026 at 7:18 am by Father Pablo Migone

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Beatification of the Georgia Martyrs: What to expect? 2026-10-24T07:18:36-05:00 Father Pablo Migone

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As the Beatification Ceremony of Pedro de Corpa and Companions approaches on October 31st, here are a few things you can expect.

The largest gathering of Catholics in the history of the Diocese of Savannah. Founded in 1850, the Diocese of Savannah has never had a large number of Catholics. As a matter of fact, the Catholic Church was forbidden in the original charter creating the colony of Georgia in 1733. Until the U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1789, Catholicism was not allowed. We anticipate that close to 10,000 faithful will gather at the newly constructed Savannah Convention Center. This will be, by far, the largest gathering of Catholics ever in the Diocese.
Two relatives of Friar Francisco de Verascola will attend. A small group of lay people from the town of Gordexola will travel from the Bizkaia Province of the Basque Country. Two of them, mother and son, are descendants of a brother of Friar Francisco. In addition to them, the home parishes of three of the five friars will be represented by their Pastors. Archbishop Emeritus Vives Sicilia from the Archdiocese of Urgell will officially represent the Spanish Bishop’s Conference.
The unveiling of a new image of the blessed. Traditionally, a new image of the newly beatified is unveiled during the brief Beatification Rite. The Diocese of Savannah called for artists to submit works of art. One of the over 100 paintings stood out above the others, and it will be presented for the first time. As the faithful leave the ceremony, they will receive a prayer card with the image, along with the newly approved collect prayer in English and Spanish on the opposite side.
Exquisite music. Close attention has been placed on the music of the ceremony. There will be beautiful music from the time of the friars, as well as music composed specifically for the special day.
The presence of many Franciscans. The Franciscan Order initiated the Cause for Beatification of Friar Pedro de Corpa and Companions in 1984. The Franciscan Holy Name Province of New York provided unwavering support during the process, until it merged with other U.S. Franciscan Provinces to create the current Our Lady of Guadalupe Province headquartered in Atlanta. Friar Gianni Califano, the Postulator of the Cause, will travel from Rome and will stand next to Bishop Parkes as they request Cardinal Frank Leo from Toronto to beatify the friars. This year, the Franciscan Order is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis, drawing attention to many Franciscan events throughout the world, including this ceremony.
Limited parking. Though the Convention Center is a large and beautiful building, parking is limited. Many of the faithful are coming by bus or making arrangements to fill their cars to the max. Once parking spots at the Convention Center are filled, attendees will be directed to the EnMarket Arena from where they will be able to ride a bus to the Convention Center. Ferries run about every twenty minutes from River Street downtown to the Convention Center providing another option – park downtown and take the ferry. Whatever you choose to do, make plans to arrive early. The doors open at 8am.
An opportunity to learn about the Guale. As you enter the hall where Mass will be celebrated, you will have an opportunity to visit an exhibit to learn about the indigenous who lived on the Georgia Coast from the Savannah to Altamaha Rivers.
The presence of many bishops. Among the estimated thirty bishops who will attend, will be present Bishop Stephen D. Parkes (the current Bishop of Savannah), the previous diocesan bishop, the Archbishop of Atlanta, Gregory J. Hartmayer, and Bishop Emeritus Kevin J. Boland. Last year when Pope Francis called for the beatification, Bishop Boland was particularly excited. Ordained in the late 1950s for the Diocese of Savannah, he is likely the one living member of the clergy who has advocated for this beatification for the longest period of time.
Large screens to follow the Mass better. Since the hall of the Convention Center is very large, there will be large screens along the sides of the hall so the faithful can see better what is happening. The Mass will be live-streamed on the diocesan website, www.diosav.org, on EWTN, and on diocesan social media accounts.
Many prayers answered. Throughout the years, many have prayed for the advancement of this Cause, so that Friar Pedro de Corpa and Companions’ sacrifice would be officially recognized by the Church. Even though the earliest reports of their death in 1597 already referred to them as “blessed” due to the nature of their deaths, the process that has unfolded since 1984 will now come to a close. The example of heroic virtue lived out by these friars is now presented to the whole Church as worthy of imitation. At a time when marriage and family face many challenges, their prayers and witness for the faithful will bear tremendous fruit.

Pictures belong to the Diocese of Savannah.

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