Our Mission (continued)
The bishop then begins a series of consultations with the episcopal conference, the faithful of his diocese and the Holy See. Once these consultations are done and he has received the 'nihil obstat' of the Holy See, he forms a diocesan tribunal.
The tribunal will investigate how the candidate, Father Francis P. White, C.S.V. lived a life of heroic virtues, that is, the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, and the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude, and others specific to his role as a Priest. Witnesses will be called and documents written by and about the candidate must be gathered and examined.
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The Bishop can ask the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the department that makes recommendations to the Pope on saints, for permission to open a case.
Once the case is accepted for consideration, the individual (Father Francis P. White, C.S.V.) would be called a "Servant of God.” This is the first step on the road to Sainthood.
A Prayer For God's Blessing Upon Our Mission
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Dear God, our Heavenly Father, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, if it is Your will, please guide us in our mission to have Father Francis P. White declared Your Servant. Please lead us to discover truthful testimony regarding the devout relationship that we believe Father White had with You.
We ask this in the name of Your Son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
