Opening Mass for the Cause of Canonization of Servant of God Joseph Francis Buh
On Sept. 22, the faithful of the Diocese of Duluth and beyond gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary for the Opening Mass and formal Opening Session of the Cause of Canonization of Servant of God Joseph Francis Buh.
Celebrated by Bishop Daniel Felton, the Mass marked the formal beginning of the diocesan inquiry into Monsignor Buh’s life.
The opening of a cause is not a declaration that a person is already a saint. Rather, it begins the Church’s investigation.
Three important moments from the Mass and session help explain what has now begun.
On Sept. 22, the faithful of the Diocese of Duluth and beyond gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary for the Opening Mass and formal Opening Session of the Cause of Canonization of Servant of God Joseph Francis Buh.
Celebrated by Bishop Daniel Felton, the Mass marked the formal beginning of the diocesan inquiry into Monsignor Buh’s life.
The opening of a cause is not a declaration that a person is already a saint. Rather, it begins the Church’s investigation.
Three important moments from the Mass and session help explain what has now begun.
1. Monsignor Buh is Now “Servant of God”
During the Opening Session, Monsignor Robert Sarno, JCD, STL, MDiv, who served for nearly 40 years as an official of the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, formally announced Monsignor Buh as Servant of God Joseph Francis Buh.
“Servant of God” is the title given to a person whose Cause of Canonization has begun. It means the Church has authorized an investigation into his life, virtues, reputation for holiness and intercessory power.
Through witnesses, writings, documents and historical records, the Church will seek to understand more fully Monsignor Buh’s Christian witness and discern whether he lived the Gospel with heroic virtue.
2. The Tribunal and Historical Commission Took Their Oaths
During the Opening Session, those entrusted with the diocesan inquiry formally took their prescribed oaths.
The Tribunal includes Reverend Father Dale Nau, JCL, episcopal delegate; Reverend Father Steven Laflamme, JCL, promoter of justice; Sharon Hodge, notary; Anne Hoeksema, assistant notary; and Cassi Beamer, official copier.
Amanda Zurface, JCL, diocesan postulator, also took the oath proper to her office.
Members of the Historical Commission who took their oaths were Laura Bisel, chair; Sister Kathleen Del Monte, OSB, PhD; Deacon Greg Hutar; Alicia Mankowski; Anthony Menart; and Dr. Robert Peacock. Frank Bucar, Sr., and Richard Gresczyk will take their oaths at a later date.
3. The Diocesan Inquiry Is Underway
With the Opening Session complete, the diocesan inquiry is officially underway.
Witnesses will be interviewed, historical records gathered and authenticated and Monsignor Buh’s writings and ministry studied. Because many of his writings are not in English, they must also be translated and reviewed by theological censors to ensure they contain nothing contrary to faith or morals.
Read the Full Story
Learn more about this historic moment and Servant of God Joseph Francis Buh at: josephbuh.org.
