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Journalism of Courage
Calcutta, July 25: The diocesan enquiry into the cause of Mother Teresa’s expected sainthood begins here tomorrow, marking the second phase of the nun’s journey towards cannonisation.
The opening of the enquiry follows a formal petition to the Archbishop of Calcutta on June 11 from Fr Brian Koloiejchak, a Missionaries of Charity priest whom the Vatican appointed as the postulator for the cause, church sources said.
Along with his request, Fr Koloiejchak also submitted a chronological report on the Mother touching upon her life, her heroic virtues and her reputation of sanctity and holiness. On receiving the petition and the report from Fr Koloiejchak, Archbishop Henry Sebastian D’Souza issued an edict on June 12 conferring on Mother the status of a `servant of God.’
This is in keeping with `the norms to be observed in inquiries made by the bishops in the causes of saints,’ published by the Vatican’s congregation for the causes of saints on February 7, 1983.
Fr D’Souza has also issued an `official,’announcing the formation of a 12-member diocesan enquiry team, known as tribunal, which will take the oath of office and secrecy before the enquiry opens tomorrow, the sources said. Headed by an episcopal delegate, Bishop Salvadore Lobo, the tribunal comprises Fr Roasario Stroscio as promoter of justice and Sr Mary Irene Ribeiro (notary), besides Sisters Joselyn Kunnath and Marilyn Saldanha (assistant notaries). According to the sources, the episcopal delegate will represent the Archbishop and ensure that the enquiry is held properly in the light of Mother’s life, her heroic virtues and her reputation of holiness. The promoter of justice will see to it that enquiry process is held according to the cannon law and that justice of truth prevails. The four-member historical commission will verify and rectify the details collected.
When the diocesan enquiry is complete, its transcript and other documents would be sent to Rome for further examination. There would be another round of hearing for her cause afterwhich a judgement will be given by the theological consultors, the promoter of faith and the congregation of cardinals and bishops.
The final judgement on the Mother’s `heroicity of virtues’ would be given by the Pope and thereafter would begin the process of declaring her `venerable’ by a decree.
The process of the Mother’s beatification and subsequent cannonisation can begin only after she is declared venerable, the sources said, adding that for each of the last two stages, evidence of a miracle of physical or spiritual cure, obtained by her intercession would be required.
Miracles of cure should be healing beyond natural law, “which cannot be explained by medical sciences, but is instantaneous, complete and enduring” Fr Koloiejchak said, adding that the healing must to be verified and certified by doctors as a complete cure.
