Second miracle confirmed in cause for Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin

Published: 2006-03-14

ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. (CNS) -- Vatican officials have affirmed a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin, the 19th-century founder of the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, opening the way for her canonization. In February in Rome, the Vatican Congregation for Saints' Causes affirmed earlier findings of that body's medical and theological commissions that the curing of an eye ailment of Philip McCord, an employee of the Sisters of Providence, does not have a natural explanation and can thus be deemed a miracle. At a Feb. 22 press conference at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Sister Ann Margaret O'Hara, the congregation's general superior, said that "the way is now open" for the canonization of Blessed Mother Theodore. Before she can become a saint, Pope Benedict XVI must approve a canonization decree. According to Sister Ann Margaret, the formal canonization liturgy could take place as early as this fall. Sister Ann Margaret also spoke about the importance of this latest step in the cause for the Indianapolis Archdiocese, whose history is closely tied with the French-born founder of the Sisters of Providence. "I think it's a special day of joy because it celebrates the heritage of Mother Theodore," she said, "and that it is still alive in this place, and that she came to this part of the world for the good of the people in this area."

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