It was almost a "pinch me" moment, except the intensity of planning made it very real. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, the Sisters of Providence received word that the Ordinary Congregation of Cardinals in Rome made a positive declaration concerning a second miracle attributed to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin's intercession, opening her way to canonization.
A local celebration was planned that afternoon as the message was relayed to sisters on mission away from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and to close companions. A news conference to make a public announcement occurred on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006. And, thanks to Terre Haute and Indianapolis media, and the Associated Press whose representative was in attendance, the word spread quickly.
Only the approval of Pope Benedict XVI was needed for Mother Theodore's sainthood. It would be safe to say that not many people in the media really understood the importance of the announcement that day, but, as their reporting progressed in weeks ahead, many became enthusiastic storytellers of Mother Theodore's life.
Sister Ann Margaret O'Hara, then general superior, and Sister Marie Kevin Tighe, then vice postulator and promotor of the cause for Mother Theodore, both addressed the media that Wednesday morning. Phil McCord, director of Facilities Management at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, talked about the favor he received after he prayed to Mother Theodore for the strength to endure an upcoming corneal transplant. All took questions from the media after their statements.
Several local committees began forming to handle various duties surrounding the potential canonization. We'll share some of those strategies in March as plans started developing.
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