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Servant of God: Promoter group (diocese, parish,
religious congregation, etc.) asks the bishop for an opening of an
investigation. A “nihil obstat” is granted from Rome for the
candidate to be called, “Servant of God.” Diocesan tribunal hears
witnesses and testimony on heroic Christian virtues. “Servant of
God” describes someone at this stage of the process.
- Father Michael J. McGivney died in August, 1890 at the age of
38,
in Waterbury, Connecticut. The Cause for Canonization was opened in the Diocese of
Fall River in June of 2001.
- On October 1, 2003, Bishop George Coleman, D.D.,
presided over the opening of the Trial, which will review
the heroic practice of virtue and reputation for holiness of
Father Michael J. McGivney. The members of the Theological Commission and the Historical
Commission were officially appointed.
- Theological Commission is appointed to study the
candidate’s writings, published and unpublished to ascertain
faithfulness to teachings of the Catholic Church.
- The Historical Commission is appointed to collect and
examine all the documents of the candidate.
Venerable: The Postulator presents acts and
documentation (Positio) to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
in Rome. After favorable judgment and Papal approval, the candidate
is declared “Venerable.”
Blessed: After a miracle attributed to the
intercession of the “Venerable” has been investigated and accepted,
the Holy Father decides on beatification. The candidate is now
titled “Blessed.”
Saint: After a second miracle is attributed to
the intercession of the “Blessed,” the Pope may then declare the
Blessed a “Saint.” |
Over a century ago, in mid-August of 1890, one of the largest funerals
in the history of Waterbury, Connecticut, took place. The throngs who
attended were grieving the death, at age 38, of
