Mother Catherine McAuley: On the Path to Canonization

By Sister Brigid Mary Meeks, RSM

November 11, 2022 | Part 1 of 3

I do not think any event in this world could make me feel so much. I have cried heartily and implored God to comfort you. I know He will. This has not been done in anger. Some joyful circumstances will soon prove that God is watching over your concerns, which are all His own. Earnestly and humbly praying God to grant you His Divine consolation and comfort…

I remain,

Your ever most affectionate

M.C. McAuley

(Letter dated March 21, 1840)

She remains our ever most affectionate Mother Catherine McAuley. Mother Catherine McAuley died in 1841, just ten years after founding the Religious Sisters of Mercy. By the time of Mother Catherine’s death in 1841, there were 100 Sisters of Mercy in ten foundations. In April of 1990, in completion of one stage of the process by which the Catholic Church defines sainthood, Pope John Paul II declared Catherine McAuley “Venerable.”

All Christians are called to be saints. Saints are persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others, or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation.

In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: a candidate becomes “Venerable,” then “Blessed” and then “Saint.” Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived a heroically virtuous life or having offered his or her life. To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate’s intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or offering of life. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification. The pope may waive these requirements. A miracle is not required prior to a martyr’s beatification, but one is required before canonization.

Mother Catherine McAuley on Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland

Throughout the years, Mother Catherine has manifested many favors to those who have sought her assistance. In 2016, one of these favors was of such magnitude that it merited an investigation by objective physicians, a Diocesan Tribunal and is now under investigation in Rome as a potential miracle for the beatification of Venerable Mother Catherine McAuley.