Baraga, Michigan – Bishop Alexander K. Sample is once again asking for prayers for the cause for Bishop Frederic Baraga’s beatification. Bishop Baraga was the first bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Marquette.
On February 7, the Cardinal members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome will take up a formal discussion of Bishop Baraga’s heroic virtue, conduct a vote, and make their recommendation to Pope Benedict XVI concerning whether Bishop Baraga truly exhibited heroic virtue in his life. If their vote is positive, Bishop Baraga will receive the title of “Venerable” and public veneration of him may take place. In such a case, his earthly remains will be moved to a more prominent location in or around Marquette’s St. Peter Cathedral for veneration by the faithful.
Bishop Sample is designating February 6 as a special day of prayer and penance throughout the diocese, which encompasses the entire Upper Peninsula, for the successful outcome of this important step for the progress of the Bishop Baraga cause at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The date of February 6 was chosen, instead of February 7, because of the time change between here and Rome.
At the same time, Bishop Sample is also requesting prayers and sacrifices for the success of diocesan efforts to have the alleged miracle attributed to the intercession of Bishop Baraga recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The recognition of this miracle would pave the way for Bishop Baraga to be beatified and granted the title of “Blessed.”
The alleged miracle under investigation took place in the Diocese of Marquette, and a formal diocesan investigation into the alleged miracle was concluded in July of 2010. All of the documentation has been submitted to the Vatican. This documentation has now been formally prepared at the Congregation to go before the medical experts and consultors to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Bishop Sample reminds everyone that they should not underestimate the power of their prayers, and he looks forward to the positive effects favorable action by the Congregation would have in the diocese. “As we prepare a diocesan plan for the implementation of the New Evangelization, having Bishop Baraga declared as ‘Venerable’ or even beatified would be a great grace and blessing for us. Bishop Baraga’s life and ministry provides us with a shining example to imitate in our work of spreading the Good News to the people of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and beyond,” Bishop Sample stated.
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