St. Lucia Monsignore Predicts Pope John Paul, II Will Be Named A Saint
Msgr. Patrick Anthony, reached by HBN yesterday, hours after the Catholic Diocese of Rome formally launched the saint-making process for the late Holy Father, said, “I’m sure it will become a reality. I have no doubt about it.” The elderly priest, who also serves as the archdiocesan press officer of the Archdiocese of Castries, said he is especially confident given the outpouring of love for the late pope, following his death less than three months ago.
“That goes a long way,” said the St. Lucian-born Monsignore, citing the sainthood that was granted to former pope, Anthony of Padua, a year after his death. “It was the same outpouring,” he said.
The priest also pointed to what he called the “outstanding” life the former Holy See lived and how highly he was regarded by people all over the world.
Asked about miracles, Msgr. Anthony or Paba as he is known to many, said many St. Lucian Catholics believe they saw its own miracle at the hands of John Paul, II, following his visit to the island in 1986. “There was a child who was very ill when the pope visited in 1986 and after he prayed for that child and laid his hand on him, the mother reported he was miraculously healed. That young man is now healthy and strong at 18,” said the priest, who added that the “extraordinary event” was documented and sent to Rome.
Published reports indicate the process of saint making, normally reserved for five years after the death, began with a service in the basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome yesterday. The process will involve examining the late pope’s "life, virtues and reputation" while theological experts decide if John Paul's published works are theologically sound. The process could take years.
One miracle performed after his death is also required.
Mother Theresa of Calcutta and St. Josemaria (Escriva) Alvaro del Portillo the founder of the Opus Dei movement, were the most recent saints, beatified by the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church long ago established the concept of the "intercession of saints," the idea that the saints of the Church have "the ear of God," and that prayers made by them in Heaven are more powerful or efficacious than prayers made on Earth by common people.
Attested miracles connected with an occupation or condition that occurred during the saint's life or through intercessory prayer after his or her death influence the realm of life over which he or she is declared a patron. There are many saints, including, St. Matthew, St. Luke, Saint Christopher, St. Nicholas, St. Michael Archangel, Saint Jude, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Peter, St. Theresa, St. Benedict and St. Joan of Arc. - Hardbeatnews.com
[See German TV report, around min. 9: www.zdf.de/…/Wenn+Madonnen+w….]
More:
"On the Pope's arrival at the Cathedral he was introduced to 18 months old Kevin Jerome who was very ill and unable to walk, doctors said Kevin would not live. The Pope said a shot pray and kissed the child while laying his hands on on the head of Marie Jerome, the boy's mother.
According to young Kevin's mother, Marie Jerome, her faith in her religion led her to believe that her son would not die, the next day Kevin he was well and began walking..
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