Update on the Status of the Cause for Canonization of Paul M. Murphy, MJ
February, 2006

Published in Miles Jesu Monthly, February 2006

By the mercy of God, we are very happy to say that the majority of the preliminary steps in the early diocesan investigation of the cause of Paul M. Murphy, MJ have been completed. Thanks especially to the deliberate and prompt collaboration of His Excellency, Bishop Thomas Olmsted and his Assistant Chancellor, Fr. Michael Diskin and the hard work of the members of Miles Jesu, we are close to opening the formal diocesan investigation into the heroic virtue of Paul, pending 'nihil obstat' from the Holy See. With this the Bishop would appoint the diocesan tribunal to proceed with the personal interviews of the witnesses.

Identifying Witnesses

The preliminary investigation into the life and virtue of Paul Murphy that has been very active since last October when Bishop Olmsted received the 5,700+ signatures of supporters of the Cause and seven articles in the press from around the world. With this supporting evidence of Paul Murphy's fame of sanctity, the Bishop happily gave his blessing to go ahead with the investigation, confirming the postulator and appointing his assistant chancellor, Fr. Michael Diskin, to be his active delegate. This early stage of investigation has been an important time of identifying and interviewing the people who knew Paul. Many such witnesses have been found and are ready to offer their testimonies in support of the claim of Paul's heroic virtue.

Thanks to Bishop Olmsted's recent letter published in the Phoenix Diocesan newspaper asking for any information from the faithful to help with the investigation, other significant witnesses have come forth. With this vital evidence we have been able to complete another step in this early stage – a document explaining and outlining the merits of Paul's proposed canonization.

Testimonies of favors received

Another essential ingredient in the success of any cause for sainthood is the faithful's active participation by their prayers for the cause as well as their prayers to Paul Murphy seeking his intercession before God for a particular need. In the past year we have seen a significant increase in both the number of people praying to Paul for his help before God and the reports of favors received through his intercession. Visits to the tomb of Paul Murphy are quite common. This is another very strong piece of evidence of Paul's "fame of sanctity", because it demonstrates confidence that he can be heard by God. The petitions also give God the opportunity to show forth the virtue of His servant by granting the favor, at times in a miraculous way.

How you can help

Besides fervent prayers for the success of the Cause and prayers to Paul for his intercession, you can spread knowledge about Paul to family and friends, encouraging them to pray to Paul for their intentions. Submit your petitions, and we'll join you in prayer. If your prayer is answered, be sure to inform us – besides encouraging others to pray for Paul's intercession, the Cause requires a miracle for Beatification and one for Canonization.

Promotional costs – including printing, postage, travel and salaries – are enormous, so financial contributions are a very important way to help advance the Cause, especially now with the opening of the diocesan tribunal very near.

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