ROME, mkf. The Postulator for Joseph Engling’s process of beatification, Fr Jan Korycki SAC, has passed on information that will be published today in a circular letter from the Josef Engling Secretariat. The process in Rome has been stopped for the time being.
The letter from the Postulator follows:
On 17 June 2009, after the conclusion of the extended diocesan process for the beatification of Joseph Engling, it seemed that on the apostolic level, i.e., on the level of the Congregation for Beatifications in the Vatican, the process would run its course. It has shown, however, that although there are no objections to Joseph Engling personally, the process has been halted.
Why? In view of the sensitivity of people today to the questions of war and peace, some representatives of the Holy See have expressed their doubts as to whether the beatification processes of people who have taken part in wars should be continued. As a result the Congregation for Beatifications has asked that this problem be carefully studied, and has therefore suspended Joseph Engling’s process while this is being done. At present the opinions of various experts in different countries are being collected. These opinions will be discussed at a meeting of the Cardinals. After this the Causa Engling will most probably be passed to the Holy Father for a final decision.
Dear Friends, a beatification is not a purely human matter, but a divine-human gift given by God to the People of God, in order to present them with an example for their striving. We have to pray a great deal for such gifts, and we always have to seek to do God’s, not man’s, will. Blessed John Paul II once wrote: “Today we have a special need for saints and so we have to pray fervently to God for them.”
If God wants Joseph Engling to be officially recognised by the Church as a saint, he will guide human decisions in such a way that a beatification and canonisation becomes possible. Let us pray fervently for the beatification of the Servant of God, Joseph Engling, and let us pray for a miracle at his intercession, so that we can help people to learn his way of sanctity. Let us trust in the Blessed Mother to care for her faithful servant, “Mater habebit curam.” Yours sincerely,
Ks. Jan Korycki SAC
Postulator for the process of beatification of Joseph Engling
PS: Some of the consultors have already given their vote with regard to the beatification of people who had taken part in wars, others have still to arrive. The Congregation will probably decide on the matter in its Autumn gathering.
Source: Josef-Engling-Infobrief
Herausgeber: Josef-Engling-Sekretariat – Redaktion: Lambert M. Schroedter
Bezug: Josef-Engling-Sekretariat, Am Marienberg 4, 56179 Vallendar, Deutschland, 02 61 / 64 09-80 – Mail: l.m.schroedter@schoenstatt.net
Translation: Mary Cole, England
