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Thank you for
you prayers and support of the canonization process of Fr.
Kapaun. These prayers and support are greatly appreciated;
please continue.
The canonization process is twofold. The
first phase of the process takes place on the diocesan level
and the second at the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of
Saints in Rome. We are just beginning on the diocesan
phase.
The diocesan phase is a period of gathering
information. The first task is to assemble information
about the life of Fr. Kapaun. From this information,
reasons for the canonization are formulated. Once these
reasons are formulated, further investigation is necessary.
Anything that Fr. Kapaun wrote is being gathered and will be
scrutinized by a censor. This censor checks the writings
for sound doctrine. A list of witnesses is also formulated.
These are people who would have first hand knowledge of Fr.
Kapaun and his work. These witnesses are then interviewed.
Information from the witnesses will be gathered together and
added to the information on Fr. Kapaun that has already been
collected. Once information and documentation of Fr.
Kapaun's life is compiled, a paper is written, promoting the
position held for his canonization. Copies of this paper
are sent to Rome for the beginning of the Roman phase of
this process. During this time, an inquiry into any alleged
miracles also takes place.
There is a set procedure for the
investigation of miracles. Experts are used in determining
the authenticity of the alleged miracle. Documentation of
miracles is also sent to the Sacred Congregation for the
Causes of Saints. Both theologians and experts discuss
these miracles.
Once information reaches Rome, the Sacred
Congregation for the Causes of Saints verifies that the
rules of law have been followed. A position on the virtues
of Fr. Kapaun and investigation into possible martyrdom is
compiled. Theological consulters examine the documents.
These consulters then vote on whether there is ample and
compelling evidence for the case to continue. Once an
affirmative vote is reached, votes and documents are
submitted to the designated Cardinals and Bishops for the
recommendation to the Pope.
The canonization process is
quite extensive and will not happen overnight. We would
like to enlist your help in furthering this process. The
Father Kapaun Guild has been established to help promote the
cause of Fr. Kapaun and to act as a means to gather
necessary information about his life and alleged miracles.
The guild will publish a newsletter from time to time to keep people
informed on the progress of the cause. We would also like
to interview those who personally knew Fr. Kapaun or who
believe you have been blessed by a miracle due to Fr.
Kapaun's intercession. If you have information to share
please contact the guild.
Much of the process is being
handled by good people who are volunteering their time,
talents and treasure to the cause of Fr. Kapaun. We
apologize if some of the information that you receive seems
repetitive or slow in coming. We will do our best to be
efficient during this process. We are funded by donations
from people like you.
If you would like to contribute to
the Fr. Kapaun fund, or again, to provide information,
please contact the Father Kapaun Guild.
The Father Kapaun Guild depends solely on you for financial
support; any donation to the Father Kapaun Guild is greatly
appreciated.
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