UPDATE ON THE CAUSE FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF
VENERABLE HENRIETTE DELILLE
Today, April 25, marks the 21th anniversary of the founding of our Archdiocese. We celebrate that anniversary by acknowledging the vocations given to and fostered by the Church of New Orleans. We glory in these dedicated women and men who have followed the call of God to service. It is fitting that today we recognize in a special way the vocation of one in particular, the Venerable Henriette Delille.
Venerable Henriette Delille, a free woman of color who lived in the 19th century, is one of the finest examples of a vocation born in Faith, nurtured by this local church, and tested in the adversity of the times of her day. Her life is summarized in the words she herself wrote in her prayer book. "I believe in God, I hope in God, I love, I wish to live and die for God."
She put into action that lasting motto. She with her companions began a ministry to the enslaved, the elderly and the marginalized of society. That work today is carried on by her daughters in the congregation she founded, Sisters of the Holy Family. The work of education, care of the elderly, work with the marginalized is the lasting miracle of her faith and vision. That work is carried on in this Country, Central America, and in Africa. Today she still reaches all peoples everywhere. She teaches what love of God and love of man is.
In his play about St. Thomas More, Robert Bolt calls him, “A Man for All Seasons.” This title more than adequately describes the life of Thomas More.
Perhaps if Robert Bolt would write a play about Venerable Henriette Delille, he would entitle it “A Woman for All Ages.”
"A Woman for All Ages"
Reflection on Venerable Henriette Delille by Monsignor Crosby Kern
REVIEW:
- Seven historians approved the positio, a compilation and
defense of all of the documents pertaining to the life, virtue,
and reputation of sanctity of Servant of God Henriette Delille,
on October 7, 2008.
- Nine theologians approved the positio on May 29, 2009.
- Fifteen Cardinals and Archbishops met and approved
Henriette Delille's practice of heroic virtue on March 2,
2010.
- The Holy Father declared Henriette Delille venerable
on March 27, 2010.
- Now, the alleged miracle is being considered. If the
miracle is accepted, Henriette will be named blessed.
- One miracle is needed for beatification.
- One miracle is needed for canonization.
- The beatification will take place in New Orleans.
In the meantime we thank God for what has been and pray and wait for what will be.
