Sainthood

2006 Update on Canonisation Process

 JULY 2006

VISIT   TO ROME

During my visit to Rome at the beginning of May I arranged meetings with Monsignor Robert Sarno of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and with Fr. Peter Gumpel SJ, the former Relator of the Cause of Blessed Mary MacKillop. While both sets of meetings were very cordial and fruitful in many ways, it was reinforced that nothing can be done in Rome with regard to canonisation until we can present a cure that can be examined as a possible miracle.

This may appear to be a wholly neutral or even negative outcome. However, the visit ensured that good networks are continuing to be established and I am assured that help is as near as the phone or the email when we need it. Some of the procedures were clarified for me and suggestions made for future actions.

On the home front, we continue to peruse all the reports of cures to determine if there are any that could meet the criteria for a miracle. At present, two look promising but each has a difficulty that we are endeavouring to resolve. Meanwhile, many people continue to report numerous favours granted through the intercession of Blessed Mary. Fr. Paul Gardiner keeps reminding me that the canonisation will occur when Mary MacKillop is ready and when we and the Australian people are ready for her. So let us pray that we will not be found wanting when the time is right.

Sr Maria Casey

APRIL 2006

The question has been posed whether the canonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop will occur in Australia.  The present Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has decided that beatification ceremonies will take place in the country of the one to be beatified and the canonisation ceremonies will occur in Rome.  He has left the possibility for exceptions to be considered. 

Therefore, we do not know if the canonisation ceremony will be in Australia or if the Holy Father will come to Australia for it.

In the meantime, at the office of the Postulator for the Cause we receive numerous reports of favours granted through the intercession of Blessed Mary MacKillop.  We continue to search for cures that may be suitable to be examined as possibilities for a miracle. A miracle performed and authenticated since the beatification is required before the canonisation can go ahead. 

We are in the process of closely examining some reported cures to establish whether they meet the criteria for being a miracle.  This is a slow and demanding process.  If there is merit in a cure then it is necessary to set up a canonical tribunal in the diocese where the cure occurred.  The bishop or his delegate will examine witnesses and all the necessary records before he comes to his decision.  If the bishop's decision is favourable the results from the tribunal will go to Rome where there will be a further examination of all the facts before a medical board and a theological board.  If the outcome in Rome is favourable the cure may be declared a miracle.  The result is presented to the Holy Father with the petition for canonisation. The Pope then makes the declaration that Mary MacKillop is a saint for the universal Church.  The canonisation ceremony will take place at a suitable time and, very likely in Rome.

During the first week of May I will visit Rome and have some conversations with the personnel in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.  It is hoped to clarify some questions around the requirements and the procedures for the canonisation.  Meanwhile we pray that Australia is ready for its own saint and that those who pray to Mary MacKillop will receive the blessings they need.

Sr. Maria Casey

Vice-Postulator for the

Cause of Canonisation

April 2006

info@sosj.org.au

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