Harrisburg, Pa., Sep 6, 2004 / 22:00 pm
The Diocese of Harrisburg is investigating its first miracle to determine whether the intercession of a priest, who died in a Nazi concentration camp, could be credited with healing a World War II veteran of cancer.
If confirmed by the Vatican, the miracle would be the first of three that are required to declare Fr. Engelmar Unzeitig a saint. The Vatican has already declared Fr. Unzeitig a Servant of God.
Fr. Unzeitig, a priest of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill, had died of typhoid in a concentration camp in 1945 but was known for his heroism in helping to care for fellow prisoners, who were sick with typhoid.
In 1997, after being diagnosed with cancer, a Perry County man invoked Fr. Unzeitig's name in prayers for healing. The man's doctors later said he was healed and there were no traces of cancer to be found.
The tribunal started its work last month and expects to wrap up by late October. A physician and two oncologists will help the tribunal in its examination. From there, the case will proceed to the Vatican.