The Cause of Mother Mary Lange’s Canonization
Remarks made at the May 24, 2006 Re-Commitment Service
By Sister Virginie Fish, OSP

The Cause of Mother Mary Lange’s Canonization in the secular context is simply:

          WHY  are we pursuing the obvious?   And
          HOW does the canonization of her virtuous life affect our daily lives (24/7)?

Why bother?  We are asked this question because we firmly believe Mother Lange is in heaven.  She IS a saint.  Why, then, what’s the point in spending close to a quarter- to an half million dollars to promote what to many is obvious.  We KNOW she ‘s a saint.

Firstly, of all the canonization or public and official recognition by the Catholic Church that a soul has lived and died a life of extraordinary charity gives honor and glory to God--the author of all good things.  Pursuing this action gives God another opportunity to look at yet another of his creations and “see that it (she) is [indeed] good” (Genesis 1:31).

Secondly,  the world needs the example and inspiration that the life of servant of God Mary Lange inspires.  She gives testimony to all people that they can overcome the unrelenting bombardment of their daily environment.  They can overcome the “worldliness” that the devil uses to drag them down.  We say we have faith--as long as it is not tested.  We are morally weak and easily succumb to the temptations of bribery, illicit affairs, injustice, theft, idolatry and untruth. We demand instant gratification and don’t know what it is to keep on keeping on--or to persevere.

How does the canonization of Mother Lange help us?  Immigrant Mary Lange can help us in those areas where we are weak.  She can help us to be strong and, by God’s grace turn our lives around.

It is good to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of this woman of God.  We give just such recognition to individuals around the world who make great contributions by awarding them the Novel Prize in Science, Literature, medicine, etc.  Indeed we award gold, silver and bronze medals to those who exhibit extraordinary skill with great feats of strength and endurance in the Olympics.

Mother Lange, by her life of love, sacrifice, generosity and perseverance deserves public recognition and emulation for what God has wrought through her, for we recall that what he has done for her, he will do for you--and me.

Finally, Mother Lange, as a woman religious, can remind us that religious life is as viable in the world today as it has been throughout the ages.

Let God…allow God…give God permission to  work wonders in you through her intercession.

If enough people bombard their bishop with this conviction of her sanctity and intercessory generosity, the Church will listen.

Mother Mary Lange, pray for us!