The Patriarchate of Lisbon announced on November 19 that D. Manuel Clemente (Patriarch and Bishop of Lisbon) has scheduled the Closing Session of the diocesan supplementary process for the cause of canonization of the Servant of God Francisco Rodrigues da Cruz, sj (known simply as Padre Cruz) for December 17, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., in the church of St. Vincent de Fora in Lisbon. The celebration is open to those who wish to attend, being observed the sanitary measures in force. The decision to close the case by the Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon was taken after the hearing of the Court constituted for the cause and of the Vice Postulator, Fr. Dário Pedroso, sj.

A long process

The canonization process of Father Cruz began on March 10, 1951 and the diocesan phase lasted until September 18, 1965. Subsequently, it was necessary to complete the process with the elements required by the new norms for the instruction of the canonization processes. After several moments of hearing various witnesses about the heroic virtues of the Servant of God, the third Historical Commission of this process, appointed on December 11, 2018 by Cardinal-Patriarch Manuel Clemente, delivered the documents and their critical analysis on October 1, 2019.

After the closing of the Supplementary Process, it will be presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints by the Postulator of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Pascual Cebollada, sj. This Congregation will appoint a Reporter who will deposit with the Postulator of the Society of Jesus and the Vice-Postulator the task of writing the Positio which is the final document that will summarize Father Cruz' entire life, his biography, as well as the documents and testimonies that intend to attest to his life of holiness.

Who was Fr. Francisco Cruz?

Fr. Francisco Rodrigues da Cruz was born on July 29, 1859 and died on October 1, 1948. He was admitted to the Society of Jesus on September 2, 1940 by decision of Pope Pius XII and on December 3 of the same year made his final vows. We know how he was a priest who lived his whole life committed to assist and console the most fragile, having traveled all over the country to help the "salvation of souls". Despite his health problems, his willingness to serve his neighbor has never attenuated the radiance of his apostolate, characterized by giving himself to the poorest.

In a letter sent to the Jesuits of the Portuguese Province of the Society of Jesus, the provincial Fr. Miguel Almeida, sj welcomed this news and left an appeal to his Jesuit companions: "In a time like the one we are living, the life of Fr. Cruz can and should inspire us. Deepening and spreading our knowledge of his life and deeds is an important contribution so that his 'holiness' can touch a greater number of people".