Last Friday, July 5th, the diocesan inquiries into the cause of beatification and canonization of the married couple Henry and Inez Casolani, members of the Third Order of Augustinians, concluded in Valletta, Malta
The celebration, which began with the canonical rite ending the inquiries, culminated with a Mass of Thanksgiving in the monumental parish church of St. Augustine.
Presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Malta, Msgr. Charles J. Scicluna, the ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, Mrs. Myriam Spiteri Debono, ecclesiastical and civil authorities, relatives, the members of the "Henry and Inez Casolani Association" - headed by its president Stephanie Quintano - and numerous faithful who have been inspired by the Servants of God Casolani's lives.
The couple were married in the same church exactly 80 years ago
In a message released by Archbishop Scicluna, the unwavering testimony of the couple, both active members of the Third Order of St. Augustine, was highlighted.
Their testimony, the archbishop said, "is a source of inspiration for married couples today, who through their daily lives are called to be witnesses of Christ's love for the Church." The couple always remained willing to collaborate in the apostolic services of the Maltese Augustinian Province, both at home and abroad.
During the Tribunal’s Sessio Ultima, the documents and testimonies collected during the diocesan investigation were sealed and shall now be sent to the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
The postulator of the cause, Fr. Josef Sciberras OSA, was sworn in as "portitore"; responsible for the transfer of the acts to Rome.
What comes next?
The next phase involves a thorough examination by Vatican authorities, who should determine whether Henry and Inez Casolani lived heroic Christian virtues, in which case they would be declared Venerable, the next step towards possible beatification and canonization.
Henry and Inez Casolani, known for their profound spirituality and commitment to the faith in their ordinary lives, have inspired many ones through their unwavering dedication to the vocation of marriage and their acts of kindness.
Their cause for beatification has gained widespread support within the Christian community of Malta. Many have already reported receiving graces and favors through the couple's intercession. The conclusion of the diocesan phase is a moment of joy and hope for the faithful who have prayed for the recognition of Casolani couple sanctity.
Below, Father Josef Sciberras, Procurator General of the Order of St. Augustine, gives us some biographical sketches of this marriage, who show us the path to holiness in ordinary life; and he encourages us "to continue to pray for the cause as it moves through the next stages of the process."
Prayer, reading the Word of God, mortification and charity.
Henry Casolani was born in Valletta on November 25th, 1917. Obedience, humility and charity were his defining characteristics.
He was a draftsman and created a work environment imbued with the spirit of the Gospel. Known by many as "the apostle of peace," Henry faced diverse discouragements and tribulations, which he joined to the passion of Jesus. In particular, he experienced an inexplicable healing of his sight thanks to the intercession of Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani. The Servant of God died on December 29th, 1999.
Inez Casolani was born in Cospicua on October 11th, 1915.
She was a teacher who, after her marriage, devoted herself fully to her family and to helping those in need, including the sick in hospitals. Since she was a child, she dedicated one hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every Thursday evening. Agnes' spirituality was based on four pillars: prayer, reading the Word of God, mortification and charity.
Thanks to a holy relic of St. George Preca, Inez Casolani recovered from a severe fever. This servant of God died on July 13th, 1992.
The Casolani couple got married in 1944 in the Church of St. Augustine in Valletta, where they were also active members of the Augustinian Third Order and helped greatly in the apostolate of the Augustinian Province of Malta.
They lived their married life extraordinarily well in the ordinariness of everyday life. They had a daughter, Cecilia Mary, who joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition at the age of 19.
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