Scripps Howard News Service
By JEAN TORKELSON
Scripps Howard News Service
DENVER _ The question of whether a Denver girl was cured by a miracle courtesy of an 18th century missionary priest is now in the hands of the Vatican.
The Denver Archdiocese has wrapped up its part of an investigation into whether Father Junipero Serra intervened to save Kayla Rebecca Kellog from severe birth defects before she was born.
A local church team spent seven months collecting documents, including independent medical data, which is now at the Holy See for further evaluation. It's all part of an investigation into whether the California priest is worthy of sainthood.
There's no way to anticipate how fast the church will act. "When we hear something, we'll hear something," said Monsignor Ed Buelt, part of the team.
Serra has already achieved the status of "blessed," a big step on the methodical path to sainthood.
The family of the girl, who is now about 14, believes prayers to Serra led their child to be born completely healthy, despite doctors' warnings that she could be severely deformed.
Buelt said the girl and her family are requesting privacy until the investigation is completed.
Buelt stressed that Denver's role was to accumulate information, not to assess whether a miracle had happened.
Members of the archdiocese's team interviewed, under oath, both the original obstetrical team and also assembled an independent medical panel to assess the case.
The probe was finished in April.
The huge file was wrapped and tied with a cloth ribbon whose ends were dipped in wax. After centuries, that's still the most effective way to make sure a package hasn't been tampered with, Buelt said.
Rev. Kenneth Laverone, the California priest who is handling Serra's cause for sainthood, carried the package to Rome, where church officials will subject the Denver findings to their own investigation, including scrutiny by more medical experts.
In canonization cases, the miracle must be a scientifically verifiable physical or biological cure that's completely unexplained by natural means, Buelt said.
Then, it's up to the pope to decide whether the person should be canonized.
(Contact Jean Torkelson of the Rocky Mountain News at www.rockymountainnews.com.)
Rebecca Kellogg
As a native Californian, I have often prayed for the canonization of Fr. Serra. My great grandmother was named Rebecca Kellogg. We were/are both descended from Phillipe Kellogg who came to the United States in the 1600's from England. I wonder if I am related to this young woman.
Sincerely,
Diane Esguerra
Post new comment