Vatican Approves Miracle in Case of Colorado Boy Healed Through the Intercession of Saintly NunA Colorado Springs boy was miraculously cured 14 years ago of a serious, unidentifiable illness at age 4, the Vatican has concluded, and his recovery after prayers to Mother Theresia Bonzel has led the church to schedule her beatification — a step toward sainthood — for November.
Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan on Friday congratulated the local motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, who were founded by Bonzel in Olpe, Germany, in 1863. Bonzel died in 1905 at age 74.
Sisters of the order number about 30 in the Colorado Springs area — many of them are retired. Yet others run a nursing home, retreat center and counseling center. A group of the sisters first came to Colorado in 1932.
Once a cause for sainthood has been established, two miracles attributed to the person's intercession are required for canonization, according to church law.
"We were hoping for word at Easter," said Sister Clarice Gentrup, vicar general. "We were very pleased when Pope Francis approved it (March 27)."
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