Lumen 2018

In the meantime, in 1990, a decree super validitate , regarding the former process, was issued. Then, at a special meeting on January 22, 1991, chaired by the General Promoter of the Faith, the theo- logical consultants confirmed that Fr. Papczynski practiced the virtues to a heroic degree. Finally, on March 17, 1992, the cardinals and bishops gathered at the General Congregation stated that Fr. Stanislaus of Jesus Mary Papczynski practiced the theological, the cardinal, and all other virtues to a heroic degree. The crowning achievement of all the efforts made thus far was the acceptance of the decision made by the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of the Saints by the Holy Father, John Paul II, and his order to issue a decree on the heroic nature of Fr. Papczynski’s virtues. The decree was issued on June 13, 1992. The following are the most important words of the decree: “It is considered a certain thing that the Servant of God Stanislaus of Jesus Mary Papczynski practiced the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temper- ance, and fortitude, as well as other virtues associated with these, to a heroic degree.” 147 In this manner, the prolonged beatification process came to an end. The aforementioned decree is an official recognition of the sanctity of Fr. Papczynski’s life by the Church. It is a very important step on his way to the honors of the altar. Should any more doubts with regard to the sanctity of the Founder of the Marians arise, we can now refer to the authority of the Holy See, which does not publish these kinds of documents until all questions have been answered. Testimonies of the Faithful The many accounts of graces and miracles obtained through Fr. Pa- pczynski’s intercession that were being sent to the Vice-Postulator in Poland, Fr. John Kosmowski, MIC, prompted him to collect and pub- lish many authentic letters and statements by people from various social 451 Posthumous Cult