Francis signed the decree that is the first step towards the beatification of the Carmelite who died in 2005. John Paul II beatified the other two visionaries, Jacinta and Francisco, who saw the Marian apparitions in 1917. On 5 August, the pontiff will be in Fatima with young patients.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The Pope today approved the publication of the decree recognising the "heroic virtues" of Sister Lúcia de Jesus Rosa dos Santos (1907-2005), the visionary who, together with Jacinta and Francisco Marto, witnessed in 1917 the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal. John Paul II had already proclaimed blessed Jacinta and Francisco.
This is one of the stages in the process of beatification that requires the approval of a miracle attributed to the intercession of Sister Lúcia.
The decree on heroic virtues was made public after Francis met in audience Card Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Sister Lúcia dos Santos is now venerable. This follows an extraordinary life that saw her become a Carmelite nun taking the name of Sr Maria Lúcia of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart. She passed away on 13 February 2005 at the age of 97 after living a cloistered life for decades at the Carmelite Convent of Santa Teresa in Coimbra.
With the approval of her heroic virtues, “the cause receives a new impetus,” say the promoters of the beatification in a statement. “We ask all those who feel touched by the Light of Jesus, which is reflected in her life, to appeal to her with faith and trust, so that God may grant us the miracle so much desired.”
Today's news comes a few weeks before Francis arrives in Fatima on 5 August on his visit to Portugal for World Youth Day in Lisbon. In Fatima, the pontiff will pray the rosary together with young patients at the Chapel of the Apparitions at the Marian shrine.