Internet users, in one survey at least, have indicated their
preference for a patron: the angel Gabriel.
That was the result of the voting by more 2,100 users who visited the Angel of
the Web, an Internet site designed in Gerona.
The voting, which went from last Sept. 28 to March 28, included users in the
United States, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru,
Poland and Italy.
Within days the survey will be presented to the Congregation for Sainthood
Causes for its consideration. In the past, this Vatican dicastery has named
patrons for groups such as journalists, dressmakers, taxi drivers and
musicians.
The angel Gabriel received 38% of the votes (831). He was followed by St. Tecla
with 27%, and saints Isidore of Seville, Rita, Andrew and Peter Regalado.
Ángel Rodríguez, organizer of the survey, explained that "the angel
Gabriel won because of his character as messenger" -- he announced to Mary
that she would be the Mother of the Savior.
"He was the favorite from the very outset of the voting," Rodríguez
said.
A similar initiative of voting for an Internet patron has been under way at a
site based in Italy. Not surprisingly, most of the nominees proposed are
Italian -- including St. Clare, St. John Bosco and Blessed Giacomo Alberione.
The angel Gabriel also makes the list.