The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-03-29

fication and canoniZation are quite
lengthy and complicated and it is i'm
possible in the space at our disposal
to do more than give a general outline
of the course followed by the Church
in declaring a person a Saint. The
most important and difficult step in
the process of canonization is to Sc
cure qualification, that is to say, to
have the person declared blessed.
First of all, there is carried on under
the direction of the Ordinary of the
diocese a series of inquiries regard
ing the reputation for sanctity and
miracles of the servant of God. The
writings attributed to the deceased
are also examined; and the result of
these inquiries are forwarded to the
Congregation of Rites in Rome. The
writings are revised by theologians
selected for that purpose and all the
documents in the case are then sub
mitted to the Cardinals of the Congre-
cation forty days before the date as
signed for their discussion. If moth
ing is found in these writings contrary
to faith and morals, a decree is then
published authorizing the appointment
of a commission for the introduction
of the cause and the decree is signed
by the Pope. Thenceforth, the serv-
ant of God is judicially given the title
Of Venerable. Further examination
is then made into the fame of sanctity
and miracles in general and the re-
suits sent to Rome for discussion by
the members of the Congregation.
Later on evidence is submitted that
the venerable servant of God prac-
ticed virtues, both theological and
cardinal, in a heroic degree, and if
this evidence is satisfactory the Pope
signs the decree which asserts that
there exists evidence of the heroic vir-
tues of the servant of God. Proof of
two or three miracles performed by
the deceased is then required and the
evidence for them is discussed by the
Congregation. If the evidence be sat
isfactory and a majority of the con-
sultors be in favor of proceeding with
the solemnities of Qualification, a
decree to this effect is issued by the
Pope and the solemn Qualification of
the servant of God takes place in the
Vatican at the time appointed by him.
He then issues a pOntifical Brief per-
hitting the public veneration of the
beatified person who is thenceforth
known as Blessed. AS soon as suff1-
cient evidence is adduced to prove that
two miracles have been wrought
through the intercession of the beati-
fed, the Pope issues a Bull of Canoni-
cation in which he not only permits,
but commands, the public veneration
of the saint. The process herein
briefly outlined requires many years
and the length of time elapsing be-
tween the beginning of the process
and it's successful termination is not
the same in all cases.
When Priest says two Masses on
Sunday does he not break his fast at
the first Mass? If so, how is he per-
mitted to say second Mass?
A priest who says two Masses on
Sunday does not break his fast at the
first Mass. If he did he would not be
permitted to say second Mass, be-
cause the Mass must be said by a
priest who is fasting. If priest has
to say second Mass he does not take
the additions after Communion in the
first Mass, but sets them aside in a
receptacle provided for that purpose
and takes them only after the Com
munion in the second Mass. If the
second Mass is said in church other
than that in which he said the first
Mass he may take the additions with
him or leave them until the next day
if he then says Mass in the first
Church.
1. 1t seems to me that | heard oil
selecting a godmother who could not
be present at the Baptism of child
Can this be done, and if so, how? 2
If one has but one Catholic friend
within reach would it be in good taste
to ask that one to be gothmother for
more than one child. 8. If medal is
SlNSH ~ q SuIId Ny ITO SONIuONICTI Cdr
the mother have the medal blessed
for the child? 4. Would 1t be court
eous to ask a priest to come into the
country to administer the Sacramento
to a sick person who was not near
death, as far as she knew, but who
had been unable to attend Mass for
some time?
1. A person may be godmother to
a child without being present at the
baptism. Another person can take
her place and act in her name by
proxy. Spiritual relationship is con
tracted only by the godmother fol-
whom the person present at the hap
tism stood proxy. 2. Under such
circumstances, what else can you do
A non-Catholic is not allowed to stand
sponsor for a Catholic child, and ii
you have only one Catholic friend
available to act as godmother she
must be pressed into service. g. The
mother may have the medal blessed il
she wishes. 4. A priest is always
ready to visit the sick even though
they be in no great danger of death
and minister to them the Sacramento
of Penance and Holy Eucharist. This
is true especially if the person has
been sick for a long time. It is the
duty of those in charge of the sick
person to notify the priest in order
that he may attend to this matter in