Fr. Jean-Claude Colin founded the Society of Mary in France in the early 1800s.
Almost two years ago, in October of 2014, a petition from Cardinal Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyons, to reopen the “cause” at the diocesan level was submitted to the Congregation of the Cause of Saints. This and three other Roman dicasteries were required to give their approval.
NOTE: The Marists currently sponsor Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy.
“The postulator in Fr. Colin’s cause for sainthood, Fr. Carlo Maria Schianchi, monitored the matter at regular intervals with the Vatican,” said the Society. “Finally, in a document dated July 8, 2016, Cardinal Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of Saints, has sent the nihil obstat to Cardinal Barbarin, permitting the cause to move forward at the diocesan level.”
The Marists also said that an accompanying letter to the cause also mentioned that the writings of Fr. Colin would be studied by two theological censors, and that a historical commission should study well the difficulties that Fr. Colin had with the Vicars Apostolic and Propaganda Fide, along with a number of questions concerning the writing of the constitutions, and any other difficulties that may arise.
“This is an opportunity for us to renew our efforts to spread devotion to Fr. Colin and to pray for a miracle,” said the Society in a note to Marists around the world.
More on Fr. Colin
Jean-Claude Colin, s.m., was the founder of the Marist Fathers – priests and brothers of the Society of Mary. Born at the close of the 18th century in revolution-torn France, Jean-Claude was convinced that the Blessed Virgin wanted a group of men and women to do her work in the world at a time of turmoil and challenge. With this inspiration he forged the way for a new family of consecrated religious and of laity in the Church – the Marist family. Under his leadership, as founder and father, Marist missionaries would proclaim Christ's message in Mary's gentle spirit 'on whatever distant shore' to which they were sent.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.