On June 28, 2024, devotees to the Cause of Servant of God Rhoda Wise gathered for Mass at St. Peter’s Church in Canton, Ohio to remember the anniversary of her death, and praise God for the example of her life of heroic virtue.
Bishop David Bonnar (below, center) served as presider at the historic Saint Peter Church in Canton, Ohio, recently merged into Basilica of Saint John and Saint Peter Parish. The Bishop continues to serve as a faithful advocate for her Cause, one of many thousands who are inspired by her life and story.
Canon lawyer Very Rev. John Sheridan (L), former Pastor at Saint Peter Church, concelebrated with the Bishop along with the current Pastor of the merged parish, Very Rev. David Misbrener (R).
Father Sheridan spoke about the Cause of Rhoda Wise on The Catholic Echo podcast with its new host, Dennis Biviano. Biviano visited the Rhoda Wise House to capture the following video about Wise’s enduring impact on those looking for hope in the mdist of suffering:
In 2023, Dr. Valentina Culurgioni, the Vatican’s postulator of the Cause, traveled from Italy to Canton for the Mass to give an update of the process reviewing her potential canonization. This year, she commemorated the event by sending an update by letter.
In honor of the 2024 Anniversary celebration, Culurgioni sent the following message: “Dear faithful, devotees of the Servant of God Rhoda Wise:
“Greetings from Rome! Unfortunately, I cannot be with you this year, but we are in communion of prayer.
“The work on the Cause of beatification and canonization is proceeding regularly in the Roman phase: our Collaborator is carrying out the drafting of the Positio super vita, virtutibus et fama sanctitatis of the Servant of God under the guidance of the Relator, whom I met recently and who is very pleased with her work. Therefore, we expect the Positio to be concluded soon and with an excellent result.
“A future but crucial step for the progress of the Cause will be the official recognition of a miracle done by God through the intercession of the Servant of God Rhoda Wise. The Shrine often has visits from people from near and far who wish to entrust their intentions to Rhoda’s intercession, and Karen often receives letters and emails testifying to little and big spiritual and material favours received through Rhoda’s intercession. We are in the process of evaluating some of these cases for a possible investigation super miro.
“This is why I invite you to continue to pray for the beatification and canonization of our dear Servant of God Rhoda Wise and to bear witness to her intercession in your own lives. I invite anyone who has received a grace from God through her intercession to contact the Shrine and share their testimony. In this journey towards the fullness of the communion of saints, the contribution of each one of us is crucial!
“Rhoda wrote in her spiritual diary, on September 20, 1939: “So many people say they never thought so much about God as they have since talking to me and it makes their faith stronger. I am so glad if I can help others and, dear Jesus, make me meek and humble. Help me to lead many souls to Thee.” Let us open our hearts and let Rhoda’s example and intercession help us to enter into an ever more intimate communion of love with our Lord and Saviour.”
Valentina Culurgioni, Rome, June 23, 2024
Vatican Postulator for the Cause of Servant of God Rhoda Wise
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View Bishop Bonnar’s prayer for the Beatification of Servant of God Rhoda Wise.
