BROTHER BASILIO RUEDA, ON THE TAATH TO CANONIZATION

Publishing a decree dated May 3rd for gathering information about Basilio?s life, Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez initiated the canonization process for Brother Basilio Rueda. Brother José Flores García, Vice Postulator of the cause, told the Cardinal that ?Brother Basilio stood out for his unconditional love of neighbor, shown especially in the tender way he treated the sick, the elderly, children, and young people. His prudence in giving spiritual direction and in governing was well known and highly valued. His deep spiritual life and union with God were evident in his even-tempered, welcoming and jovial character, his wonderful sense of humor, ever-present smile, and knack for always saying the right word at the right time. He was tender and filial in his devotion to the Most Holy Virgin Mary. Fulfilling God?s will with love is what his life was all about. He demonstrated his love for the Church with his unlimited care in shepherding the ecclesiastical movements that were entrusted to him? The canonization of Brother Basilio will serve as an example that it is possible to be a saint in the midst of our troubled world today, fulfilling our daily obligations in an attitude of service to God and our neighbor.?

On June 19th Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez presided over the opening of the Diocesan Tribunal for the cause of canonization of Brother Basilio Rueda in the Metropolitan Chapel adjoining the Cathedral. In this Chapel, Brother Basilio was baptized and later received his First Holy Communion when he was seven years old. It was on December 12, 1931, the 400th anniversary of the apparitions by Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Brother Basilio was born in Acatlán de Juárez, Jalisco, Mexico in 1924. He became Superior General of the Marist Brothers at 43, serving two nine-year terms from 1967 to 1985. He died in Guadalajara on January 21, 1996.