The Closure of Fr Colin’s Cause in the Archdiocese of Lyons

Fr Bernard Thomasset SM (left), Bishop Gobilliard (centre)

On Friday 12 February, the closing session of the diocesan inquiry on the beatification of Jean-Claude Colin was held in the Archdiocese of Lyons.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Lyon, Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard, presided over the meeting. Present were Fr Peyret, the delegated judge responsible for organising the investigation and his two assistants, the Chancellor of the Diocese and Fr Bernard Thomasset SM, vice-postulator.

The meeting was very formal:

• there was a recalling of the progress and difficulties of the investigation,

• the regularity of the process was certified,

• the ‘officers’ swore an oath,

• the reading of the closing act and signatures,

• the order for the transfer of cause documents to Rome, and

• and the closing of the boxes with a sealed ribbon. 

A prayer was said asking blessings upon the Fr Colin’s cause. The ceremony was simple, intimate and serious with a tangible shared gratitude for the fruitfulness of Father Colin’s life.

The documents – which are not allowed to be sent by mail or courier - will be brought to Rome personally by Fr Peyret, probably in April. Further developments will now be in the hands of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Source: SM Bulletin, 19 February 2021