The Church’s Rigorous Path:
Beatification requires meticulous scrutiny by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The process involves:
- Diocesan Phase: Gathering evidence of heroic virtue (2016–2018).
- Roman Phase: Theological review of writings and miracles (2018–present).
- Approval of a Miracle: A medically inexplicable healing attributed to her intercession.
Mother Kevin’s Beatification Cause Progress:
- November 6, 2016: Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of Kampala Archdiocese, in the presence of Archbishop Michael August Blume, Papal Nuncio to Uganda declared Mother Kevin a Servant of God and inaugurated the Diocesan phase of her Beatification Cause. Present also were other clergy, Religious Sisters and Brothers and the Laity, including the Cause Officials appointed by Rome, who made their oaths to fulfil their obligations diligently. At the close of the Diocesan Phase, over 1,200 pages of testimony concerning the life of Mother Kevin and her missionary work.
- Next Steps: If the miracle is approved, the Pope will preside over her beatification, most likely to happen in Kampala, Uganda.
Interactive Timeline (Expanded):
- 1875: Born in Arklow, Ireland.
- 1893: Departs for London; enters Franciscan convent.
- 1903: Arrives in Uganda; begins work in Nsambya.
- 1903: Opens Francis Hospital under a mango tree as well as well as St. Joseph’s Primary School in Nsambya
- 1921: Founds St. Francis Hospital Training School for African nurses and midwives.
- 1923: Establishes the Little Sisters of St. Francis; 12 African women take vows.
- 1928: 8 African Novices take vows
- 1930s: Survives malaria and a near-fatal snakebite; writes, “Suffering is but a shadow where God’s light shines brightest.”
- 1952: Founds the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa with Motherhouse at Mount Oliver. Sisters for Africa at Mount Oliver.
- 1957: Dies in Boston, USA but buried temporarily in Ireland.
- 1957: Body reinterred in Nkokonjeru, Uganda, after public outcry from Ugandans.
- 2016: Beatification Cause opens; Mother Kevin declared Servant of God.
- 2018: Closure of Diocesan Phase and submission of documents to the Vatican Office for the Causes of Saints.
- 2018-to-date: Promotion of the Cause among all people and praying for the required miracle
Global Devotion:
- Uganda: Pilgrims leave crutches and medical braces at her tomb, citing healed fractures and chronic pain.
- Ireland: The Mount Oliver convent receives 50+ prayer letters monthly, many from cancer patients.
- Diaspora: Ugandan immigrants in Boston hold annual processions with her portrait.
Prayer for Intercession:
Mother Mary Kevin, Pray for us.
Lord of the harvest, you blessed so abundantly the labours of your servant Mother Mary Kevin, in her service of love for the establishment of your Kingdom in Africa. During her lifetime, she showed love and mercy to all those in need. Grant that through her intercession we may receive the favour we now ask: (make your petition here). We make this prayer through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
Submit a Testimony:
“Has Mother Kevin touched your life? Share your story,”
Quote from the Postulator:
“Mother Kevin’s life was a tapestry of small, loving acts woven into greatness. Her cause isn’t just about the past—it’s a beacon for today’s Church.” ~Fr. Giovanni Marchetti, Postulator of the Cause
