MEDIA ADVISORY
Attn: News/Assignment Editors
Archdiocese of Toronto Opens
Official Inquiry into Sainthood for Toronto Nun
TORONTO (March16, 2009) On Saturday, March 21, 2009, His Grace, Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will celebrate mass to officially open the diocesan inquiry concerning the cause of beatification of Sr. Carmelina Tarantino.
Carmelina Tarantino was born in Italy in 1937 and arrived in Toronto in 1964, searching for answers to an unexplained illness that baffled doctors in her homeland. Canadian doctors suspected a rare form of cancer but it was never confirmed. Sr. Carmelina suffered through painful treatments, including the amputation of her leg and a masectomy. Through it all, she maintained a devout life of prayer.
With Vatican approval, she became a nun in 1977, though she remained in her hospital bed at Riverdale Hospital (now known as Bridgepoint Health) for 24 years. Word spread of her condition and soon, the lineup of visitors extended well outside her door, both to visit and seek spiritual direction. Thousands of people, mostly of Italian heritage, came to visit Sr. Carmelina while others sought counselling over the phone. She impacted the lives of thousands before her death at the age of 55 in 1992.
Beatification is one step in the ongoing process of proclaiming a person a saint. This process occurs after a diocese and the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints has conducted a thorough investigation into the person’s life and writings to determine whether he or she demonstrates a heroic level of virtue. For beatification, a miracle attributed to the person’s intercession must be proved.
At present, there are 10 Canadian saints and more than 20 people whose cause for sainthood is under consideration.
Event details:
Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. Mass Celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Collins to officially open the diocesan inquiry concerning the cause of beatification of Sr. Carmelina.
Location: St. Paschal Baylon Parish, 92 Steeles Ave. (just west of Yonge St.)
Additional Resources: Including a backgrounder on the sainthood process available by visiting www.archtoronto.org/carmelina
Those with evidence to assist in the investigation of the life of Sr. Carmelina are asked to contact:
- Deacon Joe DiGrado (905) 876-9486 jocadigrado@yahoo.ca (English inquiries)
- Sr. Valiriana (416) 243-1722 (Italian inquiries)
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Media Contact
Neil MacCarthy, Director, Public Relations & Communications –
Archdiocese of Toronto (416) 934-3400 x 552 (416) 879-2846 (cell)
neilm@archtoronto.org
www.archtoronto.org
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