Benedict XVI honoured Cardinal José Saraiva Martins with a letter in recognition of his 50 years of priesthood.The prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes celebrated the anniversary of his ordination on Friday.
José Saraiva Martins was born in Gagos de Jarmelo, Portugal, in 1932.
He was ordained a priest of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians.
The Pope's message recalls the main ministries in the life of the cardinal, who began to teach theology at age 26, and later became rector of the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome from 1977 to 1988.
As the Holy Father recalls in his message written in Latin, Pope John Paul II named the Portuguese prelate as secretary of the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education on May 26, 1988, elevating him to the dignity of archbishop.
On May 30, 1998, the Polish Pope named him prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes. Benedict XVI's letter praises, in particular, the "clear and healthy doctrine" that the cardinal has always demonstrated in his ministry, as well as "his devotion and love" for Christ and the Church, especially for the Holy See.
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