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

Published in Miles Jesu Monthly, August 2006

We are happy to announce that on June 27th, Bishop Thomas Olmsted approved a prayer for the intercession of the Servant of God, Paul Murphy. The Bishop authorized the publication of the prayer "for the private use of the faithful to invoke the intercession of the Servant of God in conformity with the decrees of Pope Urban VIII against the promotion of public cult".

Many people have been praying spontaneously to Paul Murphy for favors from God for friends and loved ones even before the canonical process of investigation into Paul's life and virtues was begun in the diocese of Phoenix two years ago. They prayed in their own words and from the heart asking Paul Murphy to intercede for them and others who needed help from God. Some add Our Fathers and Hail Marys or even pray the rosary and visit his tomb seeking his help before God. The postulation of the cause has been reporting in this column each month for more than a year the favors reported to us by these people praying to Paul for help. Some are very simple helps, while others seem very significant. Now there is a prayer with ecclesiastical approval for the private use of the faithful seeking Paul's intercession.

Once a cause of canonization has been received by the Bishop of the diocese where the candidate died, a prayer for the intercession of the individual may be published with the imprimatur of the Bishop to ensure the faithful likely to use such cards of the legitimacy and orthodoxy of private devotion to the individual. It is a widespread practice for those promoting a cause to distribute prayer cards with a picture of the servant of God and even a short biography or summary of the individual's life and a petition to inform the postulation of any favors received through the intercession of the servant of God. Just such a card will soon be ready for distribution from the postulation of Paul's cause (see the Contact Us page for more information). Please order your prayer cards and leaflets now. A donation to help cover expensive printing and other costs of the cause would be greatly appreciated.

Prayers for the cause's success as well as prayers for the candidate's intercession are essential for the good progress and ultimate success of any cause of canonization. Along with a reputation for holiness of life, a candidate for canonization must also enjoy a reputation of intercessory power or "fama signorum". This latter reputation is manifested both by the Christian faithful invoking his intercession before God, and by the Lord giving witness to His servant's intercessory power by granting a favor requested. This is why your prayers for Paul's intercession as well as your reporting to us any favor you may receive – big or small – at the postulation is urged and greatly appreciated.

close window