Pope advances causes of two possible US saints

[Dale_M]

During a meeting with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Benedict XVI authorized decrees of “heroic virtue” for the Servants of God Frederic Baraga, the first Bishop of Marquette, and Miriam Teresa Demjanovich of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth.

Both will now bear the title “Venerable,” in the place of “Servant of God.” Catholics now have formal approval to pray directly to Bishop Baraga and Sister Miriam Teresa as intercessors before God.

Thursday's meeting was also notable for the Pope's action in regard to St. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12-century Benedictine nun and author who has long been venerated as a saint. On Thursday, the Pope formally added her to the Church's roster of saints, extending her liturgical feast throughout the world

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/ne...ble-us-saints/

I think the official declaration of Hildegard of Bingen as a saint will make many people happy.

Very brief biographies of Bishop Baraga and Sister Miriam Teresa are in the CNA article.

[chequamegon]

Frederick Baraga was the Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, (which is the Diocese that serves the Upper Peninsula of Mighigan). I live just across the border from there, in Wisconsin.

I attend a small Catholic church that was origionally founded as a Catholic mission by Baraga, back in 1838. The church is located on Madeline Island, which is an island in Lake Superior. I was told that this particular congregation is the oldest continually-operated Catholic community in the state of Wisconsin. The church building isn't the oldest building, but the congregation is supposed to be the oldest congregation in the state. The first building was damaged by fire in 1900, and was replaced with the current building in 1901.

Because of the connection that Baraga has to my parish, I was intrugued when he was awarded the title of Venerable.

[Brendan]

Excellent news.

Bishop Sample of Marquette has spoken at our parish twice now. One of the topics was on the life of Ven +Baraga. At the time, he specifically wore +Baraga's pectoral cross.

Bishop Baraga is known as the "Snowshoe Bishop" for his mode of travel between the various parishes in his diocese .

[chequamegon]

Originally Posted by Brendan

Excellent news.

Bishop Baraga is known as the "Snowshoe Bishop" for his mode of travel between the various parishes in his diocese .

There is an organization of people who are promoting Baraga's cause for Sainthood. It's called the Bishop Baraga Association, and they are the ones who are preserving his relics.

I have an antique set of snowshoes that date from the 1830's, which is the same era that Baraga would have been Snowshoeing around the area. I was going to donate these snowshoes to the Baraga Association, to use for one of their displays.

Plans are in the works to build a new Chaple, next to the Cathedrial in Marquette. The new Baraga Chaple is where his remains will get re-intered. And relics of his will be put on display there, for veneration.

[Lormar]

Miriam Teresa Demjanovich of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth.

Yay! It is about time!