11 Catholic characters who marked 2024

Throughout 2024, various figures from different parts of the world stood out for their example of faith and courage in times of difficulty and adversity. From religious leaders to athletes and young entrepreneurs, their testimonies have left their mark on society and continue to inspire many.

Mons. Rolando Álvarez

Bishop Rolando Álvarez, bishop who defends human rights and critic of the dictatorship in Nicaragua, which persecutes the Catholic Church, was arrested, confined to his home and sentenced to 26 years in prison in a questioned judicial process in 2023. Finally, In January 2024 he was deported to Rome, where he currently lives in exile. The prelate has received various awards for his brave testimony of faith and fight for human rights.

José Andrés Calderon

Although it was born in November 2023, the Ferraz Rosary gained great momentum in 2024. Led by José Andrés Calderón, this movement brings together faithful in front of the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) on Ferraz Street, where they pray the Rosary as a manifestation of opposition to government policies on issues related to life, family and education.

P. Gabriel Romanelli

Argentine priest Gabriel Romanelli is the parish priest of the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic temple in Gaza, an area devastated by the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group. In this context, Father Romanelli works to provide education to children in Gaza, organizing classes with the help of teachers from preschool to first year of secondary school.

Hna. Paésie

The Sister Paésie, born Claire Joelle Phillipe, is a French religious missionary who is in Haiti, a country mired in a serious political and economic crisis, where criminal gangs control much of the territory.

Founder of the Kizito Family Association, the sister is mainly dedicated to helping Haitian children, creating an environment of peace where they can escape violence, attend school and play freely. Additionally, its mission seeks to teach them to love Jesus and grow in the Catholic faith.

Father José Filiberto Velázquez Florencio

In the midst of growing violence in Mexico, Guerrero has established itself as one of the most affected states. In this scenario, Father José Filiberto Velázquez Florencio played a fundamental role in getting the leaders of various organized crime groups to join a dialogue promoted by the Catholic Church, with the purpose of pacifying the region and reducing crime.

P. Marcelo Pérez

Father Marcelo Pérez, priest of the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas, in Chiapas (Mexico), was murdered on October 20 by two men who shot him after celebrating Mass. Recognized for his dedication to supporting indigenous communities, his diocese remembered him as a “tireless apostle of peace.”

Dainelis and Mailié, two generous Cuban sisters

In October, Hurricane Oscar hit Cuba, leaving a death toll and serious damage, including the collapse of numerous homes. In this context, Dainelis and Mailié organized the delivery of food to their affected neighbors, who had lost everything. Their efforts focused especially on supporting the elderly in vulnerable situations, people with disabilities and children.

P. Jacobo Huang Guirong

In August, Father Jacob Huang Guirong, a priest over 90 years old, died in China. During his life, he waited almost half his time, about 45 years, to be ordained. In addition, he was imprisoned for more than a decade by the communist regime, which continues to persecute the Catholic Church in the Asian giant.

Stefano Peschiera

Peruvian athlete Stefano Peschiera made history by winning an Olympic medal in the sailing discipline at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, breaking a 32-year drought for his country in this prestigious event. With this achievement, Peschiera becomes the fifth Peruvian to obtain an Olympic medal in more than three decades.

Beyond his sporting feat, Stefano shared his inspiring story of faith and personal improvement, highlighting the fundamental role of prayer, the Eucharist and the Holy Rosary in his life.

Will Henry

Will Henry is a young 16-year-old Catholic businessman from the United States. He has also been an example of faith by founding his own handmade rosary business, in order to spread devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Irish penal rosary.