It’s “American Saints Week” at the Register.
Continuing our miniseries, about sainthood causes introduced in the United States that continue to be investigated by Rome, we examine several new causes that have been introduced.
Father Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F.
Three new causes have recently been introduced: a petition for Basque Claretian priest and mystic Father Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F., in the Los Angeles Archdiocese on May 2; Opus Dei Father Joseph Muzquiz in the Archdiocese of Boston on June 2, and mother and mystic Maria Esperanza de Bianchini in the Metuchen, N.J. Diocese, last January.
From the 1950s through 1970s, Father Ellacuria, or Father Aloysius as he was popularly known, was regarded as a miracle worker in California, especially around Los Angeles. His mystical gifts included reading souls, prophecy and expelling demons. He zealously spread the message of Our Lady of Fatima.
A California paper quoted Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia regarding Father Ellacuria’s great devotion to the Blessed Mother and a personal story: When the cardinal was a seminary student in Los Angeles, his mother was suffering from cancer. Through the saintly priest’s prayers, she recovered after treatment.
“The Church of the 21st century needs a special kind of saint, a saint who addresses the spiritual issues of today,” said Father Kevin Manion, who submitted the petition for sainthood and was the priest’s secretary for eight years.
“The canonization of Father Aloysius will overshadow the murky issues that have surfaced, scandalized, caused pain and embarrassed (the Church) since the 1990s,” he explained. “Father Aloysius worked in the formation of future priests for more than 30 years. He accurately foretold the current crisis in the Church, specifically as it pertains to seminary formation.”
But that’s not all. “He not only predicted, but gave the remedy to the present crisis — correct formation in seminaries based on the three stages of the mystical life,” Father Manion said.
To start, as Father Manion explained, “With the permission of his superiors, he organized a house of prayer in Fatima, Portugal, in 1971.” This Claretian house of prayer soon afterwards became an independent religious congregation of men known as the Missionaries of Perpetual Adoration. The congregation is now headquartered in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico.
Father Manion also said: “Father Aloysius is a miracle worker. Just put him to the test. During his public ministry, at least from the early 1940s through his death in 1981, he was known as a mystic, a miracle worker, someone who read souls. Both the very rich and the very poor came to him for direction, spiritual healing and miracles. Since his death, he continues to have a special place in the minds and hearts of his spiritual children.”
Father Ellacuria, who closely emulated the spirituality his own Claretian founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret, continues to edify and motivate others to live saintly lives. People can learn from a new film about him titled The Angel of Biscay.
Tomorrow: America’s first Opus Dei priest. Register staff writer Joseph Pronechen writes from Trumbull, Connecticut.
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It’s great to see the National Catholic Register run an article on Father Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F. To be precise, the petition for the cause has been forwarded to the Claretian Missionaries by Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles. In his letter of June 22, 2011 Archbishop Gomez “believes the appropriate route is for the Claretians, the religious congregation to which Fr. Aloysius belonged, to present the petition to the Holy See.” Although technically the cause has not been formally opened, it is being studied in Rome by the Claretian General Postulator. Simultaneously, we are completing work on the archive of Father’s personal papers. There have been several books published about Fr. Aloysius including “The Life of Father Aloysius” by Fr. Charles Carpenter, M.A.P., “Our Guide” by Francis Levy, and “Father Aloysius: Wonder Worker in America” by Jeff Moynihan. More recently, Ignatius Press has acquired rights to a documentary film on the life and work of Father Aloysius, “The Angel of Biscay”. The film may be released before before Christmas. Additionally, there are other books in preparation, including a new title by Francis Levy, “Aloysius”. I appreciate very much this news piece on recent causes of beatification, and I pray that our bishops continue to examine the lives of holy men and women, priests, religious and laity in their respective dioceses. We need examples of contemporary holiness - especially in our post modern age. Congratulations on your series “Catholic Heroes For Today” and thank you!
I don’t know if his cause is currently moving forward, but there’s a priest from Buffalo, NY (Fr. Baker) who’s cause is waiting on a miracle…and I don’t want to ruin any surprises for the rest of the week, but there’s a certain famous priest from the US whose propositio was finished & handed over to the congregation of saints this year…I hope he shows up in this series :)
In the case of Father Aloysius have been plenty of miracles, but it seems that the most tedious part of his cause is presenting the case with the evidence of his practice of the theological and moral virtues to a heroic degree. The correspondence in his personal archives demonstrates this heroism. The challenge in his case is the organization and simplification of the paperwork. We have scanned over 15,000 pages, and with this amount of paperwork, even the experts get lost in the details. So, I would ask for prayers to simplify a monumental task of preparing these papers very soon. The papers concerning his foundation in Fatima, Portugal in 1971 & 1972 should be available shortly. If there are any readers who have stories of graces received through Father Aloysius’ intercession please contact me. Blessings!
In December 1970, I was cured of Hodgkins Disease through the prayers and personal blessings of Fr. Aloysius Ellacuria. He became a dear family friend and used to call my wife and I during his time in Fatima. He also cured my wife of a spinal deformity that the doctors said would make it impossible for her to carry and deliver children. We now have nine healthy adult children, eight daughters and one son who has ‘Ellacuria’ as a middle name. Two daughters have chosen to live the religious life: one in Portugal and one in Los Angeles. We pray for the beatification and canonization of Father Aloysius and that many more miraculous cures will be recognized and credited to the intercession of this wonderful, holy priest.
We need Recognition in more Saints in America to realize to our feith is alive! & So our catholic church.
The film (Angel of Biscay) documenting the life of Fr Aloysius is now available for digital download here: https://distrify.com/films/298 (Note that the green play button labelled “Now” will allow you to hire the movie for a month and the blue play button labelled “Later” will allow you to purchase your own high definition version of the film - a download which you can then keep (it does not expire and the quality is better)). The DVD version of the movie will soon be available from Ignatius Press.
Norman, thank you! This is valuable information about how to access the “Angel of Biscay”. Also, I’m glad to hear there is a High Definition version available. I included the “Angel of Biscay” as one of the attachments to the original petition for the cause of beatification and canonization of Fr. Aloysius. The film evidences the reputation of holiness among the people which Father Aloysius enjoyed both before and after his death in 1981. The world class quality of the audio and video work of the film is impressive. I’m anxiously awaiting the High Definition version, and you addressed a number of issues in your post. We are blessed that Ignatius Press is the publisher and distributor of the DVD version. It should be available sometime in November, 2011 (just in time for Christmas)! I hope that EWTN includes the “Angel of Biscay” in it’s programming, though the film is exceptional on it’s own and with a viewing audience in a theatre venue. As an introduction to the life and message of Father Aloysius, this film over delivers. What a wonderful way to become introduced to a life of holiness in our time, the life of a Claretian Missionary, Fr. Aloysius - the “Angel of Biscay”.
Beautiful acticle… Trumble
Father Aloysius was a great inspiration to me. As a volunteer, I was his first personal secretary from the summer of 1968 to the summer of 1969. Thus, I was able to witness many wonderful things done by him. That is why I wrote a little book titled “Father Aloysius: Wonder-Worker in America,” which is available from Queenship Publishing. My life with, and memory of, Father Aloysius was one of the greatest blessings from God to me and to many others.
The Lord raises up holy priests at time of need to lead us. Sometimes we have them in our midst and are not aware of them. Obviously, Father Aloysius is one of these special priests for our time. Thank you for helping spread the word by your informative article. Through your publication, more people will be aware of this model of virtue and help support the wonderful work that Father Kevin Manion is doing in his behalf.
Thank you for publishing the article about our Father Founder, Fr. Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F. Forty years ago he took us ten young men to Fatima where he founded our Order, the Missionaries of Perpetual Adoration, popularly known as the “Missionaries of Fatima.” In that holy place he personally educated us from 1971 to 1973. Any young men interested in joining the order, please contact me: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or go to our website: http://www.missionariesoffatima.org
Younger priests and veteran priests will gain much from a reading of this letter which Fr. Aloysius wrote while working at St. Jude’s Seminary in Momence, IL. The date of this letter is May 2, 1940. He addresses the letter to a very holy nun. I quote:
” Cor Mariae Immaculatum.
CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES
St. Judes Seminary
MOMENCE, ILL
+ May 2, 1940
Ascension Thursday.
Sister Mary Mediatrix:
Do request, please, from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus these graces for me.
1. The fullness of the three Theological Virtues.
2. The Fullness of the four Cardinal Virtues.
3. The complete absorption of the Spirit of my Religious Claretian Congregation into my whole being.
4. To be a most intimate friend of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
5. To be a most tender loving son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
6. The profoundest humility.
7. The deepest gratitude and the keenest spirit of thankfulness towards God.
8. The utmost fidelity to the Divine Grace.
9. The keenest sense of every one of my duties and efficacious and continuous effort to fulfill them.
10. The convincing grace of corroborating the sanctity of Sister Mary Mediatrix with my own through personal holiness always and everywhere.
11. To be a perfect director of consecrated souls.
12. To be an efficient retreat-master for consecrated souls in two languages, English and Spanish.
13. To have a good and fast handwriting and become a good and fast typist to perform my manifold duties much better than till now for the good of the souls.
14. To get rid completely of my timidity and self-consciousness for a proper performance of all my duties.
15. To enjoy the continuous presence of the Most Holy Trinity.
(S I G N E D) Rev. Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F.”
For me this letter is most edifying, and I believe that all priests would benefit from Fr. Aloysius sentiments…
Younger and veteran priests will gain much from a reading of this letter which Fr. Aloysius wrote while working at St. Jude’s Seminary in Momence, IL. The date of this letter is May 2, 1940. He addresses the letter to a very holy nun. I quote:
” Cor Mariae Immaculatum.
CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES
St. Judes Seminary
MOMENCE, ILL
+ May 2, 1940
Ascension Thursday.
Sister Mary Mediatrix:
Do request, please, from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus these graces for me.
1. The fullness of the three Theological Virtues.
2. The Fullness of the four Cardinal Virtues.
3. The complete absorption of the Spirit of my Religious Claretian Congregation into my whole being.
4. To be a most intimate friend of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
5. To be a most tender loving son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
6. The profoundest humility.
7. The deepest gratitude and the keenest spirit of thankfulness towards God.
8. The utmost fidelity to the Divine Grace.
9. The keenest sense of every one of my duties and efficacious and continuous effort to fulfill them.
10. The convincing grace of corroborating the sanctity of Sister Mary Mediatrix with my own through personal holiness always and everywhere.
11. To be a perfect director of consecrated souls.
12. To be an efficient retreat-master for consecrated souls in two languages, English and Spanish.
13. To have a good and fast handwriting and become a good and fast typist to perform my manifold duties much better than till now for the good of the souls.
14. To get rid completely of my timidity and self-consciousness for a proper performance of all my duties.
15. To enjoy the continuous presence of the Most Holy Trinity.
(S I G N E D) Rev. Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F.”
For me this letter is most edifying, and I believe that all priests would benefit from Fr. Aloysius sentiments…
Thank-You for publishing the article on Father Aloysius. He truly was a Holy priest walking in God’s light! He radiated God’s Love. It is true that he was Blessed by God & was a true Mystic. I am a witness to that. He was my spiritual director & my friend,if I’m permitted to say that, from 1964-1971. until his death. Father could read souls as he read mine during confessions. He would truly cleanse me of all sin by reminding me of incidents I would forget to mention during my confessions.I remember, the first time he gave me confession,it seems like an hour!.Every time I thought I was done, he would remind me of another incident in my past!! True story. I have never experience that gift from a priest since Father.(READING SOULS) He also gave me his personal crucifix when he married me in 1965.I will never forget Father, your words. You told me to take very good care of it as it was full of indulegence. That it was your personal crucifix & that you wanted me to have it. That you kept it above your bed & you would pray before it. How blessed I was & I’m to have received this PERSONAL gift from you, Father which I still have to this day. Approximatly three years ago, one of my cousins was unable to work due to an injury. He came to visit me with his mother. To make a long story short I brought out my crucifix so that he could hold it as I told him the story of Father & the Power of Prayer & Healing.. As he reached out & held Father’s crucifix, He Exclaimed out loud!” I see a light & I feel an energy coming from this crucifix”. He kept repeating it to us.We did not see it,as it was meant for him alone. He has since returned to work. Father Aloysius, loved our Lady very much & had a deep devotion to her. He always reminded me to pray for him & for all religious. To always keep them in constant prayer.. To this day I still pray, Father as you asked me too! Now I realize it was: “The True Power of Prayer, from the Heart” he was asking for! As Jesus himself, prayed from the Heart, to his Father, our Father, for strength. Father Aloysius, also had the gift of Prophesy. As I again I’m a witness to this, as he also gave me a message from our Lord. He stated since I married young,I would not receive this gift until “LATER IN LIFE”. I since have received this gift! I say this with all humility.Father Aloysius would come to my home many times for BBQ’s never realizing how busy he really was & how Blessed I was for those visits with myself,family & friends! I never knew Father had Royality come to visit him. He never told me! I didn’t know any of this until I read the book by Jeff Moynihan in 2005!. With my deepest graditude to you, Jeff, for writing this book! He would share with me but I was so young .I wish I had the wisdom then that I have now, as I would have written it all down as you did! From a humble soul, whose life was touched & blessed by a Holy man, whose name was: “Father Aloysius Ellacuria,C.M.F”.
correction: Please forgive me. I just realized I showed 1971 instead of 1981 as the year he passed. I just now realized my mistype! Forgive me! Thank-you for letting me make correction!
I was one of father aloysius drivers from the early 70’s thru 1981. I felt so honered by being so close to such aliving saint, my hold body and sole felt the holiness around him as did others. He was truly a living saint that honered our Lord with the many gifts, our Lord gave to him A Witness Leonard Romo
My sister in law sent my husband a book about Fr. Aloysius, I read the book about Fr. Aloysius and Sister Mary Mediatrix. At the time my husband and I were going to start the process of petitioning the court for guardianship of our grandson, who’s mother and father were both negligent and poor examples of parents but not negligent enough by court standards. We knew for the saftey and well being of our grandson to do the right thing, not because we thought we could win but because it was the right thing to do. On the contrary, we were told the odds are against us, it was a long shot at best. I knew this could put a permanent wedge between my daughter and I, that we could lose our precious grandchild, maybe never see him again. I dedicated prayer time to this cause every night, I would ask Fr. Aloysius and Sister Mary Mediatrix if they could please pray to our Father that somehow, someway through our Father’s miracle that our grandson will stay with my husband and I, that our grandsons main influence will be our Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and our Father’s Word, that our grandson’s mind, body, spirit and soul will be strong in the Lord. I still pray this every night. Well..against all odds it turned out that my daughter actually told me her son’s best place was with my husband and I and gave her consent, something she said she would never do, that was a miracle, the whole set of events would be to lengthy to go into here but it was one miracle after another. Against all odds my husband and I were awarded guardianship. I just wanted someone to know about my experience humbly asking Fr. Aloysius and Sister Mary Mediatrix for their prayers. Thank You Father for the miracles I have seen and those I have yet to recognize.
Father Aloysius was a special gift to many people while he lived; he was my spiritual director for twenty years. Now, as we pursue the opening of his “Cause,” many more souls will be influenced to follow his example through the articles written in the National Catholic Register.
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