Catherine's Canonisation Cause

Ki mai koe ki a au, he aha te mea nui i tenei ao:
He Tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

If you should ask me what is the greatest thing in the world, the answer would be:
It is people, it is people, it is people.

He mihi mahana atu tenei ki a koutou katoa.
No reira tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.

A warm greeting to you all.
Greetings, greetings, greetings to you all.

It is 11 November. Today we recall the death and resurrection of Catherine; as a nation New Zealand welcomes home the unnamed warrior. I am one of the many thousands who today filed past the coffin, deeply moved by the symbolism of the occasion. So many who filed past commented on the number of young families who made the effort to be part of the occasion. What is it in the human heart that calls us to remember our dead, and the contribution they have made to a nation, a society?

Some lives capture the hearts and imagination of more than their circle of family and friends. In our Catholic tradition these people are frequently acclaimed as Saints. In Australia and New Zealand we struggle with the rigmarole that seems to accompany canonisation. It seems artificial and pretentious.

I wonder if the same thoughts were expressed when people began to talk seriously about what was involved in bringing home the unnamed warrior.

Today though, many of those who were not sure and questioned the relevance, time and effort of bringing home the warrior will now be deeply moved, and touched with the rightness of the event. Once we look past the questioning we see a person who is a symbol of the many thousands who have given their life for others. We are fortunate. We can put a name to the woman we honour. We share her story.

As I was reflecting on what to write I was aware of the preparation for the welcome home of the unnamed warrior. I need to confess to you that her canonisation had not been a priority for me. I had this position shaken at the time Catherine was declared Venerable when I was Director of Religious Studies at the St Catherine's College Kilbirnie.

The Religious Education staff and principal grappled with how to educate students and staff about something so removed from their experience. To our amazement, we were the ones educated. The students and staff, particularly those not Catholic, were thrilled for the Sisters of Mercy and the college community. They knew this woman Catherine and her life story. They were challenged and influenced by her life and her invitation to share in the works of Mercy. They knew nothing about canonisation, but they were delighted that this significant woman was being recognised. It provided a wonderful opportunity for celebrations in the life of the college community.

Now when I read the articles of Sister Anne Hannon, the vice postulator, I know what is meant by fostering popular devotion. I am ever humbled by the present principals of our schools who say, "I'll get Catherine to look after it"; by associates who say "Sister, when was Catherine canonised?" and "Why isn't she canonised?"

One of Anne's tasks is to gather and encourage the gathering of stories about Catherine to show how Catherine's life influences people. Catherine's life of generous service to the needy, her deep faith and her trust in providence have been the inspiration not only for thousands of Mercy Sisters but also for their associates, families, friends, colleagues, co-workers and companions in ministry.

Now more than ever Catherine's trust in Divine Providence is a source of inspiration. Let us speak of her with love; turn to her in need; and encourage others to seek her intercession.

In life people knocked at Catherine's door seeking her help; sought her out to spend time with her. Let us celebrate her life openly not because we seek her canonisation but because Catherine is still a woman of faith, of mercy, of influence. Let us respond to the twofold challenge to be

• proactive in enthusing the sisters and others to promote an awareness of the life, vision and virtues of Catherine among members of the congregation throughout the world, as well as among the public; and
• active in encouraging prayer to Catherine on behalf of the sick, which could result in the miracles we need for her beatification and canonisation.

May God bless you. No reira ma te Atua koe e manaaki, na.

Denise Fox rsm
Congregation Leader Wellington

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