On this Solemnity of the Holy Family which is also the name feast day of Fr Stefano Manelli (St. Stephen the Martyr) Fr Ignatius (who attended the ceremony of the official opening of the cause of Fr Stefano’s parents) gives the following clarification:
Yes, the cause for Beatification and Canonization is officially open, meaning they are Servants of God. I was told that all of the information regarding establishing their heroic virtue has already been gathered and now submitted to the judgment of the 6 person panel – 2 monsignors, 1 priest and 3 laity. Their causes are considered separately, since holiness, in the final analysis, is a personal venture.
Servants of God Settimo and Licia, pray for us!
Ave Maria!
Friars, I may be wrong but I believe that “Servants of God” is applied after heroic virtue is established, no? Or is that “Venerable”? Or is “Servant of God” and “Venerable” the same thing? Either way, I believe that they are indeed (as-yet) uncanonized saints interceding for us in heaven. My pastor preached about the Manelli’s today at Holy Mass. Ave Maria!
Heroic virtue?
How do ordinary parents practice ‘heroic virtue’? Granted, the Manelli’s had a house full of children to raise for God. What about those of us who aren’t blessed with so many children? How do we practice ‘heroic virtue’? This topic would make a great homily!
Ave Maria!
Marie, thanks for the comments. This would make a good topic for a homily. I think it has been covered at least indirectly in many of the homilies already. There are so many ways to practice heroic virtue in everyone’s everyday circumstances. Whether practicing these will lead to a future canonization is rather unlikely just looking at the odds but this is definitely how we get to heaven which is what really counts.
Fra Roderic
Aiming high, Fra Roderic!
I have received a beautiful card with the photos of both Manelli parents (with relics!) from a friend. May they intercede for me to become as holy as God intends!
God bless you, Fra Roderic.
Ave Maria!
Marie, I hope a miracle comes your way.
God Bless,
Fra Roderic