It appears the Australian reporters are really wired in on this story. Interesting detail here that we may not just get a new saint from Oceania but also that two Popes of recent history will also be declared Venerable!
Nod for MacKillop sainthood this week
by DESMOND O'GRADY
December 15, 2009
ROME: Mary MacKillop will be approved as Australia's first saint on Saturday, according to a senior official of the Vatican Congregation for Saints.
The congregation will present the case for her canonisation to Pope Benedict, whose approval of it is regarded as certain.
The official said her canonisation in St Peter's Basilica will probably be held during the following European autumn to allow time for adequate preparation and the arrival of followers from Australia. Canonisation ceremonies usually draw tens of thousands from the country of the saint concerned.
A meeting of cardinals, expected to be held in February or March, is required to confirm the Pope's decision but this is regarded as a purely formal event.
The Blessed (Mother) Mary clashed with some church authorities over her establishment and direction of the Sisters of St Joseph, devoted to educational work.
Sixteen years after her death in 1909, Archbishop Michael Kelly of Sydney established a tribunal to examine her life.
The investigation was completed in 1973. In 1992 the Vatican recognised she had led a life of ''heroic virtue''.
Three years later the Vatican, recognising that she was instrumental in a miraculous cure of a woman dying of cancer, beatified her. A second miraculous cure after beatification is required before canonisation.
It appears the cure of a second cancer case has now been adjudged miraculous, opening the way for her to become St Mary of the Cross.
Canonisation means that her name is included in the canon of the saints which are recognised by Catholics worldwide.
Other cases will be put forward to the Pope along with Mother Mary McKillop on Saturday. One will be that of Brother Andre Besette of the Holy Cross Order who is known as the Miracle Worker of Montreal. [I have a special devotion to Brother Andre who was the spirit and visionary behind the Shrine of St. Joseph in Montreal!]
Two other possibilities are Popes John Paul II and Pius XII. Recognition of John Paul began with demands for santo subito - instant sainthood - during his funeral rites.
His successor, Benedict, waived the normal five-year wait before examination of a candidate for sainthood can begin. Recognition of Pius comes after angry Jewish protests against his alleged inadequate response to Nazi persecution of Jews.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 14/12/2009 20:20]