Questions and Answers about the Cause
Excerpts from an interview with Bernard Lafrenière, CSC, vice-postulator for the cause of Brother André (1975 to 1994); published in L'Oratoire magazine in the issue of September-October 1994, pages 20-21.
What steps are involved in a cause for sainthood?
A cause begins by holding three successive hearings, with a judge, witnesses and advocates given the responsibility to argue for and against the case. The advocate for Brother Andre must prove first of all that he practiced in an heroic way the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, the four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude and other virtues such as the vows that he professed, namely, chastity, poverty, and obedience. The so-called Devil's Advocate or Promoter of the Faith asks questions which are intended to throw light on the evidence offered by the advocate for the cause.
Why is a judicial process followed?
Because it is the best and most complete way to establish the authenticity and truth of the facts, beyond a reasonable doubt.
Although it is of secular origin, this process offers a singular occasion for witnesses to testify formally, review their testimony, and then sign it. This prevents the situation where a testimony, repeated on multiple occasions, results in an embellished or distorted account.
What stages have already been completed?
The first stage, of no little importance, involved 49 of the most promising witnesses completing a questionnaire of 160 items. Their oral responses were taken down by a stenographer, and then transcribed. Each individual had the opportunity to reread, correct, then sign his statement. This generated a total of 3335 pages of accurate, first-hand information. This was the diocesan phase of the process running from 1941 to 1949. Thirty two people were from Montréal, five from Saint-Hyacinthe, ten from Providence (Rhode Island), and two from Ottawa.
In 1962, Rome authorized a second ecclesiastical tribunal. The testimony of 22 witnesses, on even more precise issues, added 900 pages.
This was the way that the Church became convinced that Brother Andre had lived the Gospel in an heroic and exemplary fashion. So, [in 1978] she proclaimed him Venerable.
Now came the second stage: miracles, signs from God. It was required to establish a reputation for miracles, that is to say, a common consensus among people of faith that certain events were signs from God.
Miracles could take the form of a physical healing or some other perceptible intervention by God following fervent prayer addressed to Brother Andre. The case of a healing which took place in 1956 was officially recognized as a miracle (although 12 other cases were submittedas alternate candidates).
Brother Andre was proclaimed Blessed on May 23, 1982. Presently, his feast day may be officially celebrated only in Canada and in the houses of the Congregation of Holy Cross throughout the world. Canonization will allow such local celebrations to be extended to the universal church.
And the remaining stage...?
For sainthood, the church must recognize at least one other miracle which took place after the beatification, that is after May 1982. [Note to the reader: this stage is presently in progress. The medical commission of the Congregation for the Cause of Sainthood has unanimously approved a miraculous healing attributed to the intercession of Blessed Brother Andre.]
What are the criteria that the church uses to recognize a miracle for canonization?
The present criteria are well-known:
- a critical illness
- fervent and confident prayer by a group of people of faith
- a virtually immediate cure
- the lack of a scientifically explainable link between the medical treatment and the ensuing result
- the cure must be complete
- the cure must be permanent
- the recognition of a sign from God among a faith-community of believers.
What is the Oratory doing to advance the cause?
Everyone who works at the Oratory greatly desires that Brother Andre be canonized as soon as possible. In fact, every day we pray with the pilgrims for this intention. We mention it in The Oratory magazine, in The Friend of Brother Andre newsletter, in the participation aids for mass, during devotions which center on the person of Brother Andre, etc.
We consider it immensely important to preserve his heritage with the greatest care --- archives, histories, artwork and architecture, photos of Brother Andre and of the development of his ministry, testimonies, promotions, conferences, writings on his spirituality --- anything which shines light on the inspiration for the founding of this sanctuary which God has confided to us.
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