History of the Cause

The diocesan inquiry took place in Maseru, Lesotho, from 1940 to 1941. The writings of Joseph Gerard were reviewed in 1952. The diocesan process was declared valid on March 1, 1954, by the Sacred Congregation for Rites in Rome. In 1970, the “Positio super virtutibus” was handed to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. The decree of heroic virtues was granted on November 13, 1976. On June 1, 1987, the ecclesiastic proof of a miracle was decreed positive. The Beatification by Pope John Paul II took place during his pastoral visit to Lesotho, in Maseru, Lesotho, on September 15, 1988. For his canonization, another miracle is required.

READ: The miracle that led to the Beatification of the P. Gerard OMI in 1988

READ: the homily delivered by Pope John Paul II at the beatification of Fr. Joseph Gerard