Holy People
Instituted by the Old Catholic Union of the West
We believe in the Communion of Saints—a great, ongoing fellowship of those who have gone before us in faith and love. This includes the saints of history, those canonized by the wider Church, and those recognized by faithful communities like ours. We honor the witness of saints declared by other denominations, and we joyfully name our own, trusting that the Spirit continues to raise up holy lives in every generation.
Saint Matthew Shepard
December 1, 1976 - October 12, 1998
On October 12, 2022, the Old Catholic Union of the West canonized Matthew Shepard during a Mass held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pasadena, California. This solemn and celebratory ceremony honored Shepard as a modern-day martyr and saint within the LGBTQ+ community. An icon commissioned for the occasion depicted Shepard with a gold halo inscribed with “LGBTQ,” raising his right hand in a traditional gesture of blessing.
Shepard’s tragic death in 1998 became a catalyst for change, leading to the enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009. His legacy continues through the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and works to eliminate hate crimes. His remains were interred at Washington National Cathedral in 2018, offering a sacred space for reflection and remembrance.
The canonization reflects a deep spiritual acknowledgment of Shepard’s enduring impact and integrates his story into the Church’s narrative of sanctity, justice, and radical compassion.
Saint Brother Benno
June 30, 1862 - December 13, 1925
Brother Benno lived a life of profound devotion and service at the monastery gate in Bregenz, Austria. Despite facing chronic pain, constant demands, and a seemingly ordinary existence filled with hard work, his unwavering kindness and deep spirituality left a lasting impact on those around him. Br. Benno's life was a living reflection of the Holy Trinity: his generosity mirrored God the Father's providence, his humility and obedience echoed God the Son's incarnation, and his inner peace and continuous prayer embodied the Holy Spirit. Through his simple yet impactful life, Br. Benno demonstrated that even within a confined world, the vastness of God can be profoundly manifested. The Roman Catholic Church has had his cause for sainthood open since 1954.
The Franciscans of Restored Hope, our Franciscan community dedicated to service to the poor and underhoused, has a first-class relic of Br. Benno in their care.
Nancy Valverde
March 5, 1932 - March 25, 2024
Nancy Valverde was a pioneering Chicana lesbian activist who fought against gender-based discrimination in Los Angeles. She was frequently harassed and arrested for wearing men's clothing, violating the city's "masquerading" laws, which targeted gender-nonconforming individuals. Determined to challenge these unjust policies, she conducted legal research and successfully proved that wearing men's clothing was not a crime, leading to an end to her repeated arrests. Beyond her activism, she was a beloved figure in her community, known for her work as a barber and her resilience in the face of systemic oppression. In recognition of her contributions, the intersection of 2nd Street and Main in Downtown Los Angeles was named Cooper Do-Nuts/Nancy Valverde Square, honoring her legacy in LGBTQ+ history. Nancy exemplifies the Gospel lived through resistance to injustice, quiet holiness, and unwavering authenticity. Her life embodies Christ’s presence among the marginalized, mirrors the suffering servant who stands against oppression, and reflects the OCUW’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and honoring the sacred in every life.
