Eleven decrees issued regarding candidates for beatification and canonization

(April 4, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday acknowledged a miracle for beatification and the heroic virtues of 10 other candidates, all of whose causes are being considered for beatification and canonization. The Pope authorized the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree regarding the miracle attributed to the intercession of Italian nun, Sr. Maria Pierina De Micheli of the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception. She was born in Milan, Italy in 1890 and died at Centonara d'Artò, Italy in 1945. Among the 10 decrees on heroic virtues are those of Italian layman Giacomo Gaglione, who died in 1962, and French laywoman, Benoite Rencurel, who died in 1718. Others whose heroic virtues have been recognized are an Austrian bishop, a German priest, an Italian capuchin priest and a nun each from France, Peru, Mexico, Spain and Brazil. The process of beatification and canonization begins at the diocesan level, when the candidate receives the title Servant of God. After the transfer of the process to the Vatican, if the heroic virtues of the candidate are recognized, the candidate is regarded as Venerable. Recognition of a miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession is needed for the person's beatification. Another such miracle after beatification clears the way for the candidate for canonization or sainthood.