A significant step forward in the formal process of Marist Founder, Fr Colin’s beatification took place this week.
Almost two years ago, in October of 2014 a petition from Cardinal Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyons, to reopen the Cause at the diocesan level was submitted to the Congregation of the Cause of Saints.
This and three other Roman dicasteries were required to give their approval.
Postulator, Fr Carlo Maria Schianchi SM, monitored the matter at regular intervals with the Vatican, and in a document dated 8 July, 2016, Cardinal Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation of Saints, has sent the nihil obstat to Cardinal Barbarin, permitting the cause to move forward at the diocesan level.
An accompanying letter also mentioned that the writings of Fr Colin should be studied by two theological censors.
The letter also mentioned that a historical commission should study well:
- the difficulties that Fr Colin had with the Vicars Apostolic
- the difficulties that Fr Colin had with Propaganda Fide
- some questions concerning the writing of the constitutions, and
- any other difficulties that might arise.
