Terence Cardinal Cooke - The Cause for Canonization

The Cause for Canonization

A Message from the Vice Postulator

Dear Friends:

At the time of his death in 1983, many people in New York and elsewhere felt that Terence Cardinal Cooke was a holy man. In fact, over the years, many people, including the late Pope John Paul II, referred to Cardinal Cooke as "saintly." In the years that have followed, belief in the sanctity of Terence Cooke has grown and been voiced in many different parts of the world. Those who knew him as a priest, bishop and Cardinal Archbishop of New York were uplifted by his gentleness and humility.

In 1984 the Cardinal Cooke Guild was established by Sister M. Aloysius McBride, O. Carm., to tell the story of Cardinal Cooke's faith-filled life and holy death. Father Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR, was named Postulator of the Cause of Canonization by John Cardinal O'Connor, and in 1992 Terence Cooke was officially designated Servant of God by the Vatican's Congregation of the Causes of Saints. Today, the Cause of Canonization continues to further document the heroic way in which he lived faith, hope and charity, and indeed, all the virtues.

As Vice Postulator of the Cause in its present stage, I encourage you to learn more about the life and holiness of Terence Cardinal Cooke. At a time when New York and the USA need recent examples of holiness in our midst. I ask you to become a partner in this worthy cause.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco

The Cause for Canonization of Terence Cardinal Cooke is dedicated to showing that Cardinal Cooke lived a life of heroic virtue, and we have recently entered the Roman phase. Currently we are in the process of refining and amplifying materials required by the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints at the Vatican. The Tribunal responsible for Cardinal Cooke’s Cause is working diligently to meet the criteria set forth by the Holy See. For further information regarding the process of canonization we recommend: Canonization: Theology, History, Process, edited by William Woestman, OMI Published by the Faculty of Canon Law, Saint Paul University. Ottawa, Canada, 2002 (available on Google.com)

The Cause for Canonization of Terence Cardinal Cooke includes:

Dr. Avv. Andrea Ambrosi, Roman Postulator
Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, JCD, Vice Postulator

Tribunal
Rev. Msgr. Charles McManus, Episcopal Delegate
Rev. Msgr. John Harrington, Promoter of Justice

Historical Commission
Sr. Marie Magdalena Angerame, OSF
Rev. Terrence L. Weber
Andrew Hartzell, Esq.

Theological Commission
Rev Msgr, Daniel Flynn
Rev. Msgr. Walter F. Kenny

Notaries
Ann Cicchelli
John Collins
Mrs. Mary Hartzell
Elizabeth Mumm
Margaret Quealy

Copier
Ilya Speranza

What can I do to help the Cause for Canonization of Cardinal Cooke?

The answer to that is simple: You can pray. The prayers of many people are needed to advance the Cause to the point when the Servant of God Terence Cardinal Cooke will be named, Venerable, Blessed and finally Saint. We ask you to join your prayers with ours in asking God for the success of the Cause. We ask you to become a member of the Guild, and we ask you to spread the word about the faith-filled life of the humble prince of the Church who touched the lives of countless people. For more information on becoming a member of the Guild, click here.

Prayer for the Canonization of Cardinal Cooke:

Almighty and eternal Father, we thank you for the exemplary life and gentle kindness of your son and bishop, Terence Cooke. If it be your gracious will, grant that the virtues of your servant may be recognized and provide a lasting example for your people. We pray through Our Lord Jesus Christ your son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.