December 04, 2016
Miracle watch for Suzanne Aubert
A French nun who promoted the rights of Maori and women in 19th century New Zealand is on track to sainthood.
Pope Francis has declared Suzanne Aubert, the founder of the Sisters of Compassion, as venerable.
Maurice Carmody, who is promoting the canonisation of Mother Aubert, says the designation means her case has been examined by church historians and theologians.
The church will now look for miracles that can be ascribed to her, such as recovery from a terminal illness as a result of prayer.
Cardinal John Dew, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Aotearoa, says Mother Aubert was a pioneer of New Zealand’s health and welfare system and a friend to Maori from her arrival in New Zealand in 1860.
She combined her medical training with her extensive study of rongoa Maori to develop a range of herbal medicines, and she also developed a Maori – English dictionary which became a reference text for decades.
Cardinal Dew says her tireless compassion and practical brand of Christianity made a huge impact on New Zealand society.
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