A few months ago word leaked out that there was a possible miracle for the Venerable Pope Pius XII - many of us rejoiced because we saw that at last his Cause was proceeding. Pope Benedict finally declared him Venerable in 2009 after holding off signing the Decree of Heroic Virtue for two years to allow an internal investigation into the controversy over the late Pope's record during World War II. Thanks to the work of numerous scholars, not least among them the ever faithful Sr Margherita Marchione, and Gary Krupp and the Pave The Way Foundation, there was enough evidence to convince the Holy Father that he could safely proceed with the Decree of Heroic Virtue.
Now details of the alleged miracle are emerging, USA Today has an article with details. If the article is to be believed, it seems a lady, identified as Maria Esposita was suffering from an aggressive form of cancer. Praying to Pope Pius XII, the cancer disappeared after one course of chemotherapy leaving no secondaries and no traces. This is remarkable and may indeed be the result of divine intervention. However, according to the article, some doctors are not convinced, and though the cancer was aggressive and her doctor, a non believer, recommended prayer for the treatment to be successful, it seems the professional opinion being offered maintains that this cancer could have be treated successfully with one course of chemo. Her bishop, having listened to this opinion, has decided it might not be safe to proceed with this case.
While I love Pope Pius and I look forward to the day of his beatification, I believe the bishop's decision is correct. With Pius I think we need an iron tight miracle, one that will gobsmack atheists and critics alike. We cannot allow any doubts to linger over the favour which will be used to raise the Pontiff to the altars.
We hear too often of the "questionable" miracles surrounding certain saints. A friend of mine often teases me about the miracle accepted for Blessed Mother Teresa, and of course I always rise to the bait, fool that I am. But the critics say that the immediate disappearance of an incurable malignant tumour the size of an orange in the stomach of the lady healed could have been due to a pill. If that is the case we all want that pill because it can do the impossible. Yet many still question it. So too with the miracle for the beatification of Blessed John Paul. The critics in all these cases will never be convinced: never; they have too much to lose in accepting the veracity of the favour.
Given that Pius has so many critics, among them people who are not interested in the truth, and even those whose organisations and countries did not lift a finger to help the Jewish people during the Holocaust, indeed some even discouraged Pius from speaking out, we should not be giving them any more ammunition. We should proceed with the Cause and pray fervently for a miracle and when it comes process it without any delay, but there must be prudence. Those who say "why can't we just wait?" (reminiscent of another recent campaign!) are just trying to buy time in the hope this Pope drops and the glorious liberal revolution begins under a "progressive" pope. The last thing the Church should do is give them any excuse to preen what's left of their aging feathers.
I do not think the Congregation for the Causes of Saints will accept the favour, I will be surprised if they do. From what I know, despite the insidious complaints, the CCS is very particular and if there is any doubt they will throw out a miracle - better to be safe than sorry. I know of a Cause where an almost water-tight favour was submitted, but almost was not enough - there might be a question - it was a slight "might", but it was enough for the favour to be sent back "Return to Sender". And we should expect nothing less. Yes it is disappointing after all the prayer and the work, but a miracle will come - one which will be enough and the good people in CCS will recognise it when they see it.
So keep praying, good people, and commend the sick to all those Servants of God so the Lord may, through their intercession, pour out his healing grace upon them and give us, the Church on earth, the joy of new Blesseds and Saints.
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