BROTHER BERNARDO

On May 18, 2004, a commission of Cardinals and Bishops met to determine whether Brother Bernardo died as a martyr.

Our Postulator has phoned Monsignor José Luis Gutierrez, the Relator of our cause, and learned of the Commission?s affirmative response to this question. In July the Church will publish a decree officially recognizing that Brother Bernardo was truly a martyr for the faith. This is the final step leading to his beatification. It is premature to speak of a date for that ceremony as the Congregation of the Saints has decided to complete work on all 27 causes for the Spanish martyrs who died between 1934 and 1939.

At least ten causes are now under consideration, among them that of Brother Laurentino and his 45 Companions. We will need to be patient while these beatification processes gradually unfold.