Bishop Burbidge recently decided that the Diocese of Arlington should select Dr. Waldery Hilgeman to become the Roman Postulator for the cause of Thomas S. Vander Woude. Fr. Oetjen has contacted Dr. Hilgeman and they have begun formalizing the agreements and necessary financial matters. Dr. Hilgeman has already provided templates of the formal documents required for establishing the Diocese as the Petitioner, and for appointing himself as the Postulator. The postulator’s first task is the development of the Supplex Libellus (simple book). This is a written summary of the reason(s) and rationale for which Mr. Vander Woude may be considered for canonization. This is the heart of the written petition requesting that Bishop Burbidge initiate the necessary proceedings to formally open the cause. The initiation of the cause occurs after the bishop has accepted the Supplex Libells of the postulator. From then on, the bishop refers to Mr. Vander Woude as “Servant Of God” in his correspondence with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the USCCB, as well as in decrees whereby he nominates the officials of the diocesan inquiry, and other correspondence throughout the diocese.
Our Sincere blessings to you all,
Keith Henderson
Board Chairman
