A FEW NOTES ON THE SUBJECT OF BEATIFICATION
2012-04-03

We are all called to the holiness of the saints. Often at the death of a parent, a relative or friend, we often say: "She/He was a saint.". There is no doubt. We call upon these people for their intercession. As the days go by, our faith and our prayer never ceases to grow. We would want the authority of the Church to pronounce the holiness of the virtuous life of some who have left us. But...

In general, the declaration of beatification is the end result of a long and demanding process. In the following four paragraphs you will learn what steps have to be taken before beatification. They are the steps that must take place in the cause of Mary Elisabeth Turgeon. 

1.   The reputation of holiness is the only "point" necessary to start a cause. Without the reputation of a growing holiness, nothing can happen. It is up to the faithful to show how the Servant of God is able to influence their life, help their faith to grow and enlighten in them the flame of hope." If the witnessing weakens, the cause vegetates, is slowed down and even risks being invalidated. May that never be the case of the cause that is so dear to our hearts!

 2.   The Congregation for the causes of saints effects its work according to the "strict principle of chronology", that is according to the time the case was presented. If there is a suspension of the study for any reason, the next case is taken into consideration. Two reasons can change this principal: a) if the pope visits the country of the saint, he can give priority to the persons in question. b) the pope can decide to give a model to the people of a country which has no beatified saint or saints. "Besides these two reasons nothing can influence the process of a cause...", affirms a prefect cardinal.

3. How often have we heard "It costs so very much money for a person to be canonized." Cardinal Martins answers the question: "It is not possible to give the amount because it all depends on the type of cause that is being studied." Certain costs can be due to documentation, the difficulties that arise when a cure is being submitted, the need to further the study of a particular point. But in ordinary cases, the costs are for retribution or money owed to specialists for the work they do on the document. It is of a modest amount. Money has nothing to do with the recognition of a saint. "When it is the cause of a true saint, it is the people of God who get together and the necessary minimum can always be found."

4. "The first protagonists of all processes of beatification, are always the faithful". Many among you, readers, have taken this role seriously. You have accomplished and continue to do so to make the cause of Mary Elisabeth Turgeon known. We have the proof that you take advantage of every occasion to make known this Servant of God and to present her as an effective intermediary to the Lord... doing as did Mary, Queen of the Rosary and Jesus, the unique mediator. Thank you!

We are all called to become saints, we are on our way to becoming saints. 

Rita Bérubé, R.S.R.