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Edict

Cause of the Beatification and Canonization of Father Augustus Tolton

In accordance with article 43 of the 2007 Instruction of the Congregation for Causes of Saints, Sanctorum Mater, I, the undersigned Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Chicago, declare that I have received and accepted the petition for the Cause of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God, Father Augustus Tolton [1854 – 1897].

Therefore, the Cause having been officially opened during the formal hearing held at St. James Chapel at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, on this the 24th day of February, 2011, I am directing the assigned personnel of the ecclesiastical tribunal to carry out all necessary steps to instruct the diocesan phase of the Cause, inclusive of hearing witnesses regarding Tolton’s virtues and reputation of holiness. In addition, I encourage all those who can give testimony, even should they have negative proof, to come forward and contact the aforementioned tribunal. Moreover, those who possess writings of any kind or any other information regarding the Father Tolton are urged to put that at the tribunal's disposition.


All things henceforth serving the honor of God,

Given at Chicago, Illinois
the 24th day of February 2011
Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago