The Beatification

A love story for humanity

On January 27, 2018, the Holy Father’s signature on the Decree of a Miracle completed the process of beatification. On April 23, 2018, a special Vatican staff, composed of doctors and members of the Church, with a commission of Sisters present, performed the exhumation of the body of Mother Clelia Merloni who was buried inside the chapel dedicated to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, in the Generalate of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Italy. The exhumation was part of the process of beatification to verify the identification of the remains and to obtain relics of the foundress for veneration.

The Holy Mass and the Rite of Beatification were celebrated on November 3, 2018, by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, seat of the diocese of Rome.

See below the complete celebration:

The beatification of Mother Clelia Merloni represents a profound milestone in the celebration of her life dedicated to God. During the moving and solemn ceremony, thousands of faithful, religious and devotees gathered to pay homage to her unwavering commitment to faith, humility, charity and service to God. Officially recognized as Blessed and attended by representatives of the Holy See, this milestone event was a decisive step on the journey towards canonization, reaffirming her spiritual legacy that continues to inspire generations. This gathering of prayer and gratitude not only confirms Mother Clelia's sanctity, but also renews the hope and enthusiasm of the faithful, inviting us to walk a path of love and devotion, following her example of self-giving and love for others.

On the Sunday after the beatification, Pope Francis addressed the faithful in the Angelus prayer, referring to Blessed Clelia Merloni as the one who transmitted a “luminous evangelical witness” to the world.

“Yesterday, in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Mother Clelia Merloni was beatified. The Foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was a woman wholly abandoned to God’s will, zealous in charity, patient in adversity, and heroic in forgiveness. Let us give thanks to God for the luminous evangelical witness of the new Blessed and let us follow her example of goodness and mercy. A round of applause for the new Blessed.” (Pope Francis)