Coimbra, Portugal, Feb 14, 2008 / 08:54 am
The prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, announced this Wednesday in Coimbra, Portugal, that Pope Benedict XVI has authorized the opening of the cause of beatification of Sister Lucia, the Fatima visionary, and he revealed that she left a series of important unpublished writings.
“Since the death of Sister Lucia, it has been obvious how much the reputation of holiness of this humble nun has spread throughout Portugal and the rest of the world,” the cardinal said, explaining the Pontiff’s decision to suspend the five year waiting period before beginning the process of beatification.
Cardinal Saraiva made the announcement during a ceremony celebrated in Coimbra marking the third anniversary of Sister Lucia’s death.
The Pope authorized the opening of the cause on December 17, but he requested the announcement be made by Cardinal Saraiva in his role as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.