A big step forward for the canonization of Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin: November 4, 2014
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Blessed Zelie and Louis Martin
The doctors of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have declared that the healing of little Carmen (the child whose cure from a cerebral hemorrhage soon after she was born in 2008 is being examined as the "presumed miracle" for the canonization of Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux) cannot be explained by medical intervention. The announcement appeared today on the Facebook page of the "Bookstore of Therese of Lisieux" in Lisieux. I hope details of the announcement will be available soon. It is the first public announcement of progress in the cause of Blessed Louis and Zelie since the miracle was approved by the diocese in which it happened and submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in May 2013. Little Carmen celebrated her sixth birthday on October 15, 2014.
The diocesan inquiry in Valencia, Spain (Carmen's home diocese) closed in May 2013, and the file was immediately brought to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, where it was to be examined first by a panel of physicians, then by a group of theologians, and finally by a group of cardinals. The successful completion of this first phase of the Congregation's examination is an important step toward the possible canonization of Louis and Zelie. Although I have no other information about today's announcement yet, to learn more about the "presumed miracle," please see:
- My article "The cure of Carmen: Is this the miracle that will make Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, canonized saints?" January 20, 2013. This article, which broke Carmen's story in English, includes a video of the opening of the diocesan process.
- My article "Vatican to investigate “presumed miracle” attributed to Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Will the healing of little Carmen make them saints?" May 28, 2013. This article includes a video of the closing of the diocesan process.
- My article in Carmelite Review (Summer/Fall 2013): "Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin: The Parents of St. Therese of Lisieux A Step Closer to Canonization"
- "A history of the process of canonization of the spouses Louis and Zelie Martin," by Fr. Antonio Sangalli, O.C.D., their vice-postulator, May 21, 2013. This artilcle was first published in French on the Web site of the Shrine at Alencon, which also has an excellent site in English.
lick here to learn how to contribute to the expenses of the cause for canonization. Your gift must be sent to France by mail.
Please continue to pray for the progress of the cause and that Louis and Zelie will help many souls. Thank you.