Canonization soon for Bl. Damien of Molokai?
Honolulu, Jul. 2, 2008 (CWNews.com) - The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has voted to recognize a miracle attributed to Blessed Damien of Molokai, according to news reports in Hawaii.
The Vatican has not confirmed the reports. Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) must approve a decree recognizing the authenticity of the miracle before canonization ceremonies can be scheduled.
In April of this year, reports surfaced that a panel of theologians had given its approval to the miracle, which involved the inexplicable cure of a Hawaiian woman who had suffered from cancer. The full Congregation for the Causes of Saints has now reportedly ratified that decision.
The Belgian-born Father Damien, named Jozef De Veuster at birth, was a missionary priest of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He traveled to Hawaii in 1864, and in 1871 began his work at a leper colony in Molokai. He became famous for his compassion for the suffering patients there, dedicating himself whole-heartedly to the care of their physical as well as spiritual needs. Eventually Father Damien himself contracted leprosy, and died at Molokai in 1889 at the age of 49.
He was beatified by Pope John Paul II (bio - news) in 1995.
Honolulu, Jul. 2, 2008 (CWNews.com) - The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has voted to recognize a miracle attributed to Blessed Damien of Molokai, according to news reports in Hawaii.
The Vatican has not confirmed the reports. Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) must approve a decree recognizing the authenticity of the miracle before canonization ceremonies can be scheduled.
In April of this year, reports surfaced that a panel of theologians had given its approval to the miracle, which involved the inexplicable cure of a Hawaiian woman who had suffered from cancer. The full Congregation for the Causes of Saints has now reportedly ratified that decision.
The Belgian-born Father Damien, named Jozef De Veuster at birth, was a missionary priest of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He traveled to Hawaii in 1864, and in 1871 began his work at a leper colony in Molokai. He became famous for his compassion for the suffering patients there, dedicating himself whole-heartedly to the care of their physical as well as spiritual needs. Eventually Father Damien himself contracted leprosy, and died at Molokai in 1889 at the age of 49.
He was beatified by Pope John Paul II (bio - news) in 1995.
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