Steps to Sainthood . . .
The Canonization Process Moves Forward
Sr. Mary Jacinta Doyle, SFP [Maureen Fullam, Contributing Editor] - February 2010
 Rainy day in Rome, but radiant for us |
 Step by step... |
 Rain can’t dampen our spirits! |
 We are ready! Srs. Gianna and Mary Jacinta |
The journey towards the Canonization of Mother Frances continues! This article is an update about this beautiful pilgrimage we are all making together. During these weeks and months I have felt a keen sense of the prayers and support of our Congregation and Associates along with that of the SPSFs. I experienced this especially when I arrived in Rome, charged with the privilege of delivering the sacred (and well sealed) documents to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, accompanied by the Postulator, Fr. Gianni Califano, OFM on the morning of December 17. Sister Gianna Giovannangeli and I were escorted to the office of Msgr. Giacomo Pappalardo, who began the process of accepting the documents from the Cincinnati Diocesan Inquiry. We were fortunate to have Sister Giannica Selmo with us who took some beautiful photos. As I put the precious documents (the transunto) into the hands of Msgr. Pappalardo, I was overwhelmed with emotion! During the months leading up to this day, when the obstacles seemed greatest, I found myself saying, “Mother Frances, you worked this miracle, not me! It's up to you to get this task completed!” Now in spite of the concerns of getting the documents finished, getting the sealed boxes through airport security and taking them with me on the plane, they were now finally at the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. This phase was now completed! Mother Frances had surely been journeying with us -- with her "mini-miracles.” Msgr. Pappalardo had taken the envelope that accompanied the boxes and then accepted the second box (which is the public copy) from Fr. Gianni. Sr. Gianna and I then went to Fr. Gianni’s office at the General House of the Friars Minor near the Vatican. Fr. Gianni was very interested in the story of the Mother Frances picture that had been purchased by Mr. Siemers. We promised to send a photo of this image, which still hangs in Mr. Siemers’ home. Fr. Gianni also expressed interest in Mr. Siemers’ visit to the Vatican several years ago. At that time Mr. Siemers had presented some documents to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. Fr. Gianni thought this could be significant data for the Canonization process. |
 Sr. Mary Jacinta presenting the documents to Msgr. Pappalardo along with Fr. Gianni |
 An emotional moment |
 Sr. Mary Jacinta receives the Protocol Paper
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What Happens Next? • The Official Opening of the transunto will take place on March 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. • Medical Consultation - these documents will be printed and bound for study by two physicians and a recommendation will be made about the alleged healing. • Theological Consultation - a review about who prayed, when, how, etc. The entire process may require at least two years. • Decision - If a decision is made in favor of the Canonization, the Congregations will most likely have six months to a year to prepare for this event. |
A Congregational Project
During these months I have experienced how carefully the Church treats any alleged miracle. My appreciation of the careful attention to detail has grown! I also felt so honored to hear from Fr. Gianni that I would continue as Vice Postulator in Cincinnati to procure any additional information or documents as needed. If the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints needs clarification, more documents, etc., Fr. Gianni will contact me. He encouraged us to continue our prayers to Mother Frances and to Fr. Luca De Rosa, the former Postulator who died in April, 2009.
My sincere thanks to the Congregation for entrusting me with such a great privilege and to each of you for your support with prayers, affirmation, encouragement – and translations!
I conclude this update by sharing my own spiritual joys and challenges. I am overwhelmed that Mother Frances, in this particular time of challenge for religious in the U.S., would bless us through this alleged healing! She continues with us! So many more people are now aware of her charism.
As I shared my experience with some of our Sisters in Italy and heard how they had been touched throughout the process, my own love for Mother Frances grows, as well as a renewed commitment to living her charism. Grazie, Suore! It has truly been a “Congregational Project.”
 Sr. Gianna Giovannangeli, Vice-Postulator Sr. Mary Jacinta Doyle, Msgr. Giacomo Pappalardo, and Postulator Fr. Gianni Califano, OFM |
 History in the making – Srs. Barbara Fiorentino, Mary Jacinta and Giannica Selmo with the precious documents |
 Srs. Mary Jacinta, Francesca Vitulano and Gianna |
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR GRACE-FILLED MOMENTS . . . • As you know, the Diocesan Process in Cincinnati for the Cause of Canonization of Mother Frances opened on April 17 and closed on December 14. As you pray and reflect about this process what has been your personal experience been like? • During these months did/do you find yourself drawing closer to Blessed Frances? If so, how? Are there any grace-filled moments you would like to share? • What are your hopes as this Canonization Process moves into the next phase? We invite you to respond to these questions by hard copy or email (by March 21 so we could publish your reflections before April 17; perhaps we can limit responses to a maximum of 400 words or less.). We look forward to sharing these responses in another SFP LIFE article. . . Please send your email reflection on your grace-filled moments to sfplife@franciscansisters.org We look forward to hearing from you! |
In gratitude . . . photos by Sr. Giannica Selmo