A further step

From 4 to 11 November, Brs. Giovanni Maria Bigotto, Postulator General, and José María Ferre, his nominated successor, visited Guadalajara, Mexico, to make contact with the two vice-postulators of the cause of our Br. Basilio Rueda, Brothers José Flores García, ?Chepo,? and Jorge Luis Flores Aceves, ?Luchis?, and to assess the progress of the diocesan process of our dear Brother.

Accompanied by both Brothers, we were able to have a meeting with the archdiocesan tribunal which has initiated the cause. Now we are able to report the progress achieved: the phase of the collecting of the testimonies and the analyzing of the written documents of Br. Basilio by the theological censors has already been practically completed. The latter part is what has taken most time, given the abundance of his writings. The task of the censors was, on the one hand, to show that they contained nothing contrary to Catholic faith and morals; and, on the other, to draw up the human and religious profile emerging from the writings of the Servant of God. Both theologians were impressed by the rich personality of Br. Basilio.

If all follows this rhythm, as we hope, the diocesan tribunal will be able to complete its work in the course of next year, 2010, and will send all the material to Rome. The Vatican must study the whole process followed in the archdiocese and, if it approves it, begin the Roman phase.

All this gives us great joy, and we congratulate the two Brother vice-postulators for attentively following up the evolution of the process.

The other important element in this stage is the collection of material and testimonies which make manifest the so-called ?reputation for sanctity? of Br. Basilio. This is expressed in a series of publications, activities, graces and favours obtained through his intercession. We were also able to observe the efforts displayed in the two Mexican Provinces to make Br. Basilio known. Numerous Brothers, former students and lay Marists, especially in the fraternities, have recourse to the intercession of our Servant of God, and feel that they are heard. It is a stimulus and invitation to the whole Institute. Br. Basilio Rueda was a great Superior General and continues to be a great intercessor.

Br. José Mª Ferre
Br. Giovanni Maria Bigotto