Lisbon, Portugal, Feb 21, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The EFE news agency is reporting that the Diocese of Leiria-Fatima has sent the final documents for the canonization of Jacinta and Francisco Marto to the Vatican.
“I can confirm that the so-called ‘Positio,’ the final document for the canonization of the two shepherd children, has been sent,” said Bishop Serafim Ferreira e Silva during a Mass dedicated to the visionaries of Our Lady of Fatima.
He also said the Portuguese bishops are hopeful that “Pope John Paul II can proclaim their canonization and recommend Blesseds Jacinta and Francisco Marto for public veneration by the entire Catholic world.”
Bishop Ferreira e Silva explained that the document sent to the Vatican includes the opinions of doctors, theologians and bishops regarding the second miracle attributed to the intercession of the children.
On October 13, 2004, the canonical process was opened for recognizing the miracle that would make their canonization possible. The case involved the healing of an infant named Felipe Moura Marques, now 5, the son of a Portuguese couple living in Switzerland.
Felipe was born with type 1 diabetes, a disease considered incurable. His mother and his grandmother, fervent devotees of Francisco and Jacinta, took the child to the Shrine of Fatima and placed him near the tombs of the two Blesseds.
On May 13, 2000, while watching the beatification on television, the mother prayed to Francisco and Jacinta for the health of their child. Since that time Felipe has not needed to take insulin and has been completely cured of his diabetes.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA