Just as we’ve all been hearing about how Pope Benedict has been slowing down the process for beatification and canonization, VIS tells us:
“This evening in the cathedral of Coimbra, Portugal, Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., president of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, presided at a Mass marking the third anniversary of the death of Sister Lucia dos Santos. Following the ceremony he announced that the Holy Father Benedict XVI, benevolently accepting a request presented by Bishop Albino Mamede Cleto of Coimbra and shared by many bishops and faithful throughout the world, has waived the five-year waiting period established by canonical norms (art. 9 of “Normae servandae”) and granted that, just three years after the death of Sister Lucia (known to the world as one of the three seers of Fatima), the diocesan stage of the cause for her beatification may begin”.
I have to admit, I’m not exactly upset over this at all. I do think the normal five-year waiting period is a very good idea, but there are cases where it may not be necessary. Further, it’s not like we’ll be going from this opening to canonization in a short time – just the diocesan stage can take years. Fatima, I think, still has a particular role to play in the coming years. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
Related posts:
Authors bio is coming up shortly.
