Cardinal David presides over Mother Ignacia's cause for beatification relaunch

The cause for the beatification and canonization of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) congregation foundress, Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, was relaunched on Wednesday, according to a CBCP News report.

Mother Ignacia, the report stated, is the foundress of the first pontifical congregation for women in the Philippines. And in recognition of her heroic virtues, was declared venerable in 2007.

Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who presided over the Mass that marked the relaunch said "visible signs of grace" is the parameter in which to measure the progress in the cause for canonization.

“This is also what we now await in the cause of the venerable Mother Ignacia—not so much new documents, but a clear and credible sign of God’s action through her intercession,” David said during the Mass held at the RVM Generalate Chapel in Quezon City.

“You are not only remembering a text. You are celebrating a fiat — a yes that continues to live on in your community and ministry,” he added.

The theological consultant for the Ignacian Mission for Sainthood, RVM Sr. Maria Anicia Co, told Radio Veritas that the relaunch was conducted because "previously submitted miracle claims failed to meet the standards of a medical review panel."

“We relaunched because the submitted miracles did not really pass the medical panel’s evaluation… by 2016, there seems to be a lull,” Co said.

According to the CBCP News report, Co said the process was slow because of a lack of reports of miraculous healings that are needed for the cause.

In order to address this, the congregation has decided to "strengthen documentation and coordination efforts."

The RVM also appointed vice postulators, including Dr. Dave Cesar Dela Cruz for external affairs and Sr. Eloisa Marie Inocentes for internal affairs and other members of the Ignacian Mission for Sainthood.

“It’s not only Mother Ignacia for sainthood, but each one of us to become truly saints,” she said.

Cardinal David also administered the oath to the members of the team. — BAP, GMA Integrated News