The Vatican calendar for the Year of Mercy deliberately set aside Sept. 4, 2016, as a possible date for the canonization of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, if her sainthood cause is concluded by then, according to Federico Lombardi, S.J., the Vatican spokesperson. The canonization would be celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the end of a three-day pilgrimage of people who are engaged, as Blessed Teresa was, in the performing the corporal works of mercy. An Italian news agency reported on Nov. 18 that a panel of physicians convoked by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes agreed there was no medical or natural explanation for the recovery of a Brazilian man suffering from multiple brain tumors. His healing after prayers for the intercession of Blessed Teresa was submitted as the miracle needed for her canonization. Father Lombardi urged caution, however. “The process is still underway and official communications will be given at the appropriate time.”

This article appears in December 7-14 2015.