Our Foundress Declared Venerable by Pope Francis
by Sister Catherine Marie, APB
On December 1, 2016, the Holy Father, Pope Francis met with Cardinal Angelo Amato, SDB, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Among the proclamations published is the declaration of the heroic virtues of the Servant of God, Catherine Aurelia of the Precious Blood (born Aurelia Caouette), foundress of the Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood, which was the first contemplative cloistered community in Canada. On January 22, 2017, a Mass of Thanksgiving was offered at our Motherhouse in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec in recognition of this latest progress in the Cause of our Mother Catherine Aurelia. Most Rev. Francois Lapierre, Bishop of St. Hyacinthe, presided over the celebration. Sisters from Manchester, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine were among the numerous guests present. For several decades, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have prayed that God would inspire the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints to elevate their foundress in the eyes of the Church. Now, we are so grateful that Mother Catherine Aurelia Caouette has indeed entered on to the path of sainthood and received the title of Venerable. Her Sisters will continue their unceasing prayer that she will become Blessed and finally receive the title of Saint! May God be praised by Jesus' Precious Blood to so honor this truly humble servant and loving companion of Jesus.