Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana, announced July 31 that the university and its Institute for Black Catholic Studies will become the new hub for the advancement of sainthood causes of African-American Catholics.

Although the Catholic Church has many saints of African descent, it has no black American saints.

The transfer is precipitated by the decision of the sisters to sell the property because of declining numbers of the order.

The Diocese of Rome formally opened the sainthood process for a young Italian wife and mother who avoided inducing a premature birth and invasive treatment for cancer while she was pregnant.

When I was asked to accompany the Jesuit saint’s arm across Canada, various fears and questions flashed across my mind.

The Jesuits invite you to pray to Father Arrupe, and if any favors are received, to document them and send them to us.