Michigan bishop ‘thrilled’ that predecessor is declared venerable
May 11, 2012
Bishop Alexander Sample of Marquette said that he is “thrilled beyond words” that Pope Benedict has approved the decree of heroic virtue of his predecessor, the Slovenian-born Bishop Frederic Baraga (1797-1868).
“I am thrilled beyond words at this recognition of Bishop Baraga’s heroic virtue by the universal Church,” he said. “I cannot overstate what a significant step this is towards the anticipated beatification and canonization of Bishop Baraga. This is a day for which we have been waiting nearly 40 years. I am so pleased to be able to call my saintly predecessor ‘Venerable’ Frederic Baraga!”
“We are planning to construct a special chapel to the right of the St. Joseph statue” in the cathedral, Bishop Sample added. “This will become an entryway into a small but beautiful chapel where the remains of Venerable Frederic Baraga will be placed in a sarcophagus for the veneration and prayers of the faithful.”
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Further information:
- Diocese Reaches First Step in Sainthood Process (Diocese of Marquette)
- The Bishop Baraga Association
- Vatican declares new martyrs; others advance toward beatification (CWN, 5/11)
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