Another step has been taken on the pathway to beatification

On Friday, 28th January 2005 the Meeting of Theologians took place to decide if the deaths of Brothers Laurentino, Virgilio and their forty-four companions, murdered in Barcelona on the 8th October 1936, can be considered as martyrdom. Each theologian had prepared for the meeting by reading the lengthy ?positio super martyrio? consisting of 1064 pages. All of the eight theologians expressed their positive opinion and, during the meeting, there were neither objections raised nor requests made for clarification regarding the facts presented. The Relator of the cause, Monsignor José Luis Gutiérrez, present at the Meeting, declared that the examination of this cause was very easy due to the unanimous positive opinion expressed.

After the positive outcome of the Meeting of Theologians, it is now a matter of waiting for the Meeting of Cardinals and Bishops, which normally takes place after six months. The reading of the Decree on Martyrdom will follow this and then, the date of the beatification will be named.
The positive conclusion of this cause, as that of the previous one concerning Brother Bernardo, is, for the entire Marist family, a reason for joyful celebration and thanksgiving to the Lord for he has done great things in us. This is also an invitation to all of us to give our life for the Lord.
A booklet, ?The Night of the Martyrs. Laurentino, Virgilio and forty-four other Brothers? has already been printed and will help us to remember this important day.