French bishop plans speedy cause for beatification of Father Hamel as martyr

August 16, 2016

Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen, France plans to open a cause for the beatification of Father Jacques Hamel without observing the usual five-year waiting period after his death.

The archbishop said that a fast-track process for beatification is appropriate in the case of Father Hamels, who was murdered by Islamic terrorists. "The death of Father Jacques Hamel is the ultimate testimony of his faith in Jesus," he said.

The cause of beatification begins in a local diocese, with the findings then sent to Rome to be weighed by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Archbishop Lebrun's decision to waive the five-year waiting period does not necessarily mean that the Congregation will do the same. 

If Father Hamel is recognized as a martyr, there is no requirement for the certification of a miracle attributed to his influence, so his beatification could be scheduled promptly if the Vatican issues that approval.

 

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Further information:

• Pour Mgr Lebrun, le P. Jacques Hamel « est un martyr » (La Croix)
• French archbishop to reportedly fast track Cause of martyred priest (Catholic Herald)