Appeal to Sainthood

Neither piety nor goodness alone makes a saint. There must be evidence of authentic miracles, attested by the most diligent scrutiny of the Roman Catholic Church.

In the Memphis convent of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, one hot summer afternoon in 1913, Sister Mary Magdalen (born Mary Hodges) lay waiting for death. Doctors had diagnosed cancer. But Sister Mary Magdalen had begun with other sisters a novena (nine days of prayer) to the Venerable Mary Euphrasia Pelletier who, French-born in 1796, had expanded their Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd establishing 110 houses throughout the world to save fallen women. Sister Mary Magdalen had prayed that she might live to see Mother Mary beatified. Now, suddenly, she felt a flow of strength, arose from her bed, flexed her arms, walked briskly about. A small child in an adjoining bed jumped out of the window at the sight. Five doctors came to attest the cure, among them two Jews who swore to it on the gold Testament.

Still living in Memphis last week, Sister Mary Magdalen heard with joy that her recovery had helped bring her prayer nearer to realization. In Vatican City a decree was read to Pope Pius XI approving the authenticity of this and another miracle performed through Venerable Mary Pelletier. As result she will probably be beatified, titled "Blessed," during the coming Holy Year. Then, if more miracles are attested, she may be canonized.

Last week the Pope rejoiced in the number of canonizations and beatifications that would doubtless take place during the Holy Year, and he urged all Catholics to strive for sanctity. Said he: "It is true that only some reach the heights, but all in various modes and in different measure are obliged to have some degree of saintliness in accordance with their individual circumstances."

Pius XI's days will grow increasingly full. During the year cardinals, archbishops and bishops will journey to Vatican City, heading pilgrimages of 50 to 1,000 persons. The King and Queen of Italy and the King and Queen of the Belgians will be visitors, as also will such discarded monarchs as Spain's Alfonso and Victoria, Portugal's Amelie, Austria-Hungary's Zita, and Afghanistan's Amanullah, who will not bring his beauteous Moslem wife, Souraiya. President Miklas of Austria is expected. Other Catholic nations may send delegations. The Vatican has let it be known that it would appreciate a visit from President Lebrun of France.

The Pope will emerge from the Vatican June 15, for the second time since his assuming the Tiara. In the loggia of St. John Lateran, as his predecessors did until 1870, he will bless the multitude. Last week Pius XI promulgated a bill granting indulgences to those who visit the Basilicas of St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul-without-the-wells. "Let us collect our thoughts from the uproar of daily life during the Holy Year," said the Pope. "Let us turn to prayer and penitence for the sins committed by mankind, torn by so many discords, afflicted by troubles."

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