Diocesan Inquiry Into An Alleged
Miracle Attributed To The Intercession
Of Blessed Maria Droste Took Place In
Rockville Center, New York On
November 1, 2013
Submitted by: francoise
On: 03/11/2013
In: General News
The Solemn Closing Session on the diocesan inquiry into an alleged
miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Maria Droste of the
Divine Heart of Jesus was held on November 1, 2013 in the parish
auditorium of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York.
All of the Tribunal Sessions were held in the Rockville Diocese
because the alleged miracle occurred there.
The task of this special Tribunal was to establish the facts and
circumstances surrounding the claim of an extraordinary healing of Mrs. Jennie
Battaglia.
She and her son Victor attribute the healing to the intercession of Blessed Maria Droste
of the Divine Heart of Jesus, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of
the Good Shepherd, whose relic they had obtained and to whom they had addressed
their prayers.
The song, In te Domine Speravi, written for the occasion of Blessed
Maria’s 150th Anniversary of her birth by a Good Shepherd associate
from Munster, Germany played softly as the Tribunal members and
approximately 60 guests entered the auditorium.
Brigid Lawlor, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Our Lady of
Charity of the Good Shepherd, Petitioner for the Cause, welcomed
everyone. She briefly described what had occurred since the opening of the Tribunal on
June 15, 2013.
During the following months several witnesses had been interviewed and gave
testimony.
She then gave an overview of what would happen at the
Closing Session.
The Commentator for the Session was Sister Yvette Arnold, Congregational Secretary,
who engaged the gathering in singing the hymn: Like a Shepherd. She then directed
each step of the session.
Members of the Tribunal:
Mrs. Rosemary Horgan, Notary; Sr. Dolores Castello,
CIJ, Assistant, Dr. Maria-Alberte Boursiquot, Medical
Expert, Most Rev. Msgr.
Kenneth Boccafola, Episcopal Delegate of the Bishop,
His Excellency, William F. Murphy, Bishop of
Rockville Centre, Msgr. Thomas E.Molloy, Promotor of
Justice, Dr. Waldery Hilgeman, Postulator and Brother
Reginald Cruz, CPX, Vice Postulator
Ms. Rosemary Horgan, Notary, of the Tribunal, presented the Acts of
the Inquiry to Bishop Murphy.
Over 580 pages would be sealed during the Session and sent to the
Holy See (2 copies) and one would remain in the Archives of the Diocese of Rockvillle.
His Excellency William F. Murphy invoked the Holy Spirit with a solemn chanting of
Veni Creator Spiritus.
A report was then delivered by Most Rev. Msgr. Kenneth E. Boccafola,
Episcopal Delegate of the Bishop.
Having described the sessions and the testimony of witnesses he concluded; “The good
reputation of each of the witnesses as well as the external and internal coherence of
their testimonies leaves no room for doubt as to the veracity of their evidence.”
The Tribunal Officials then made their prescribed oaths indicating that
they have fulfilled the duties entrusted to them and have kept the secret
of their office.
Msgr. Thomas E. Molloy, Promoter of Justice made a declaration
regarding the integrity and authenticity of the Acts of the Diocesan
Inquiry.
He said: “I have found nothing to doubt or question their integrity and
authenticity.”
Dr. Marie-Alberte Bousiquot, Medical Expert assisted throughout the Tribunal by
clarifying the complicated terminology in the medical
records; she established a strong case for the
extraordinariness of the cure.
Dr Waldery Hilgemen and Brother Reginald Cruz, CFX,
Postulator and Vice Postulator for the Cause of Blessed
Maria then placed red ribbons (symbolizing the blood of
Christ) on the Acts of the Inquiry.
Following an age-old tradition, the ribbons were secured with red wax and the seal of
the Postulation Office (which is an image of the Good Shepherd!) was affixed on the
red wax by Bishop Murphy.
Prior to the Closing Session, Mass had been held in the
Cathedral. During his homily Bishop Murphy shared with his
parishioners, and the guests of the tribunal, information about
Blessed Maria Droste.
He felt honoured that the tribunal for her cause for canonization
was taking place in the diocese. He spoke about how Blessed
Maria’s great love for the Sacred Heart influences him. He felt renewed in the love of
God throughout the time of the tribunal. He also noted that the Tribunal Closing was
taking place 38 years after the Beatification of Blessed Maria.
He continued his reflections during the Closing Session with similar emotion. He
mentioned his great regard for Pope Leo XIII by recalling his encyclical on Work; he
noted that Pope Leo XIII pioneered the Social Justice movement in the Church.
Bishop Murphy then highlighted the way in which the love of the Sacred Heart was
weaved into many of Pope Leo XIII’s documents.
He described how the decision of Pope Leo XIII to dedicate the world to the Sacred
Heart, was impacted by Blessed Maria’s persistence and how it deepened the
understanding of God’s love.
Dr, Waldery Hilgeman took an oath as the Carrier of
the Acts of the Inquiry. His task is to hand deliver the
Acts to the Office of the Congregation of the Causes
of the Saints in Rome.
Sister Brigid, as representative of the Sisters of the
Good Shepherd and petitioner of the cause will
accompany him on November 4, 2013 to the Office.
As the officials signed the Acts of the Closing
Session, the Magnificat was sung.
Sister Brigid then addressed words of thanks to all
who were gathered.
She returned to the opening song In te Domine Speravi – in God I have set my hope.
She talked about how these words, inscribed on the archway to the entrance of the
Droste zu Vischering Castle in Darfield, Germany, where Maria grew up, influenced
Maria’s early life.
Her experience of God’s love was later shared with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd,
her mission partners and those who sought her advice.
She thanked Mrs. Jennie Battaglia and her son Victor for their trust in God through the
intercession of Blessed Maria.
Individually she thanked each of the members of the tribunal as well as Sr. Dolores
Castello, CIJ and Msgr. Robert Morrissey, Secretary to Bishop Murphy, who provided
technical assistance to the Tribunal.
Kathleen lives in Michigan. She discovered her relationship to
Blessed Maria while searching her family lineage. Her presence at
the Session added a special dimension.
Sr. Brigid then turned her attention to her Sisters of the Good
Shepherd present at the session. She expressed gratitude to Sr. Ellen
Kelly and her New York community and to Sr. Yvette from Rome,
for the vast amount of “behind the scenes” work they performed in
order to assure the smooth running of the sessions.
She also thanked the Sisters, Bishops and Lay partners in Portugal and Germany for
their faith and hope. She acknowledged those who made financial contributions to the
cause.
Present at the event was Sr. Fatima from the Province of
Portugal along with sisters from the New York and Mid-North America provinces.
Friends and family of Mrs. Jennie Battaglia, Good Shepherd Mission Partners and
Associates as well as guests of tribunal members also attended.
The father of Dr. Marie, a deacon in his parish in Brooklyn, served at the Mass prior to
the session and lent his voice to the joyful singing at the Closing Session.
Sister Brigid concluded her remarks with words from the
autobiography of Blessed Maria:
I particularly remember the feast of the Sacred Heart in 1880 or 1881.
Oh! What communion that day!…The Heart of Jesus was inviting me
to persevere in his love, to give my heart to him alone, and already I
tasted all the peace, joy and consolation…which is hidden in his Heart
and in union with him. (p. 42):
In te Domine Speravi!
Add a comment
Please enter to comment
Go back
Contact us | Search | Links | Site map
------------=oOo=-----------Casa Generalizia, Suore del Buon Pastore - Via Raffaello Sardiello, 20 - 00165 Roma,
Italia
Tel: (39) 06 6617 9101 - Fax:(39) 06 6641 8864