Servant of God Fr. Willie Doyle SJ
In preparation for the forthcoming ceremony on Sunday, 18 October, in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, formally bringing to a close the diocesan tribunal stage in the examination of the cause of Fr Willie Doyle, Bishop Deenihan sealed the documentation in accordance with the prescribed universal statutes and instructions.
The closing of the diocesan tribunal stage (also known as the closing of the diocesan phase or inquiry) is a crucial formal milestone in the Catholic Church’s process for canonization. It marks the official end of the local investigation into a candidate’s life and the transition of the cause to the Vatican.
The local bishop, along with an appointed tribunal and historical commission, finishes gathering all evidence regarding the candidate (who holds the title Servant of God). This includes collecting all of their personal writings, published works, and taking official testimonies from eyewitnesses who knew them.
During a formal closing ceremony (often held during a public prayer service or Mass presided over by the bishop), the bishop signs a final decree validating the acts of the tribunal. All accumulated documents, evidence, and transcripts (called the acta) are gathered, authenticated, and physically bound.
The crates or boxes containing the documentation are officially closed and stamped with the bishop’s wax seal. Once sealed, they cannot be opened until they reach their destination in the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
In Rome, the Roman postulator takes these local findings and compiles them into a comprehensive master volume called the positio.
A panel of Vatican theologians, bishops, and cardinals will review the positio. If they vote favorably and the Pope approves, the Pope will issue a Decree of Heroic Virtues, elevating the candidate to the title of Venerable
