Jennifer Aydin from 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' went to the Vatican with her mom to celebrate her uncle becoming a saint.
Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jennifer Aydin has revealed that one of seven new saints canonized by Pope Leo XIV at a recent ceremony was her great-great uncle. The Context On October 19, Pope Leo canonized seven new saints of the Catholic Church.
Among them was Ignatius Maloyan, the great-great uncle to Aydin, who joined the cast of The Real Housewives of New Jersey in season 9. Part of the requirements for the seven saints was for them to be from various regions around the world because the church wanted them to represent the universal Church’s holiness, according to Father Boguslaw Turek, undersecretary in the dicastery for the causes of saints. What to Know Maloyan was an Armenian bishop and martyr who was killed during the Ottoman genocide in 1915. It is sometimes referred to as the first genocide of the 20th century. At least 664,000 Armenians were killed and that number could be as high as 1.2 million, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The Ottoman government started deporting the Armenian population in spring of 1915 over fears that invading troops during World War I would convince the Armenians to join them. Maloyan served as Archbishop of Mardin from 1911 to 1915 and was tortured and killed after refusing to convert to Islam. In 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a martyr and Pope Francis approved his canonization in 2025 before Francis’ death. Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for the canonization of seven new Saints in St. Peter’s Square on October 19, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. In a video on TikTok, Aydin shared the journey to the canonization ceremony, which her family was invited to attend. Aydin explained that although she is Syrian Orthodox, her mother was raised Armenian Catholic. Aydin’s mother also attended the ceremony. “I was at the Vatican to witness this amazing, once in a lifetime event,” Aydin captioned the TikTok video. “How many people can say they have a family member that’s a saint?! In a video from the ceremony, Aydin shared a photo of her great-great uncle’s portrait above a crucifix at the Vatican. Vatican News, the official news portal of the Catholic Church, said Maloyan was canonized to recognize his heroism and virtue but also to inspire others that “evil can and must be defeated.” What They’re Saying Joseph A. Kéchichian in an article for Vatican News: “A true believer, he resisted those who feared him; the perpetrators of ethnic cleansing could not break the disciple’s faith. The nation endured while its enemies were defeated. Quietly, evil collapsed, while Maloyan’s virtue stood firm against brutal force, rendering that force powerless. By upholding his virtue and revealing the emptiness of evil, Ignatius Maloyan earned sainthood, joining the enduring Communion of witnesses.” Aydin, in a TikTok caption: “For all y’all that think you know me , Know this—God shows me His grace & love everyday—and He’s never wrong.” What Happens Next After a person is made a saint, they’re officially added to the Catholic Church’s canon. It also means the person can be an official role model for people trying to uphold the Church’s faith and values.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Paramount signs 10-year lease for a New Jersey production facilityParamount has signed a 10-year lease to occupy a production facility currently under construction in New Jersey. The move will allow the media company to qualify for the state's tax incentives.
Read more »
New Jersey Democrat breaks ranks to support Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governorFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
FAA Halts Flights at New Jersey Airport Due to Staffing Issues During Schumer ShutdownSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
What to expect in New Jersey on Election DayNew Jersey voters will decide a competitive race for governor Tuesday in a contest that will be viewed through the prism of national politics regardless of who wins.
Read more »
Assyrian leader Mar Awa III gifts Pope Leo jersey for wrong Chicago baseball teamA Christian patriarch offered Pope Leo XIV a jersey for the White Sox's crosstown rivals, a gift that the pontiff was unenthusiastic about.
Read more »
Food pantries in New York and New Jersey: Where to get assistance or donate itemsFor those looking for food pantries in their area, either to donate or to seek assistance, here is some information:
Read more »