Poll Picks Its Favorite for an Internet Patron
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GERONA, Spain, APRIL 6, 2003 (Zenit.org).- 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 page, 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.