Catherine Doherty - Cause for Canonization

From Catherine newsletter #7 — Summer 2004 :

I believe that I received a favor through Catherine’s intercession. For the past three weeks I had been experiencing mild depression. My daughter was currently visiting Madonna House in Combermere and she called me. She said that she had visited Catherine’s grave that day, put her hand on the cross above her grave, and prayed for me. It wasn’t until a few hours later on in the afternoon that I realized that I was feeling better, like this depression had lifted. I have to say that I had been praying as well, but I feel sure that Catherine had a lot to do with it. — Anonymous

I was diagnosed with breast cancer around May, 1998, at the age of 76. Before I had surgery in September I started praying to Catherine, asking for her help. I had the surgery in September and since then I have had good reports. Thanks to Our Lady and Catherine. — UB, Combermere, ON

A friend had a massive heart attack. I laid a relic of Catherine on his arm and was rewarded with a big smile. But then for three weeks afterwards he was in a coma. The doctors recommended that the family should think about taking him off the ventilator. They asked me what to do, and I said I couldn’t make a suggestion or decision. I prayed again with Catherine’s relic that God would either bring him back to full health, or take him before the family had to make a decision. The following day we received a call: “Miracle! Miracle! Dad became alert enough to understand what was going on and the doctor was able to ask him if he wanted the tube out and to try just breathing with the help of oxygen. He said he did. The doctor also asked if he wanted it back in if he couldn’t breathe, and he said yes to that too. The decision became his and no one else had to fret or feel guilty that they were pulling the plug on their beloved. We are so grateful! God love Catherine! — MB, Windsor, Ontario

My husband and my son went three years without talking with each other or seeing each other. Every Monday, in the house of a friend, we prayed the rosary and, as I have a relic of Catherine, we begged her intercession. It was through these prayers that one day my husband decided to open his heart and go to the house of our son. Until then our son had not wanted to receive him. The two conversed and today they are good friends. It is hard to imagine the power of the intercession of a Servant of God! May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the intercession of Catherine pour blessings over all of you. — SFQ, São Carlos, Brazil

We were praying for my husband and me to conceive. We just received our Christmas miracle and we know that it was through the intercession of the Servant of God Catherine Doherty. I wanted to thank you all and let you know that Catherine is truly a servant of God. We know that we are truly blessed with this little bundle of joy who is definitely a Christmas miracle. — MT

I believe my brother was healed of prostate cancer as a result of Catherine’s intercession. I firmly believe the healing was done by Catherine’s help. I felt enlightened; my worries disappeared right after asking for this favour. — MM, Alexandria, ON

From Catherine newsletter #6 — Fall 2003 :

In the fall of 1980 I suffered from a very serious skin rash for one month. Stronger and stronger medication was used, to no avail. On a Saturday night, at my request, Catherine blessed me lightly with holy oil. I was cured instantly. Father Robert Wild will testify to this and also Dr. Comerford, of Peterborough, ON.

On August 1, 1986, I had cardiac fibrillation for several days. I prayed to Catherine one night while I was in the hospital. The next morning Dr. Joseph McKenna said to me, “Your pulse is down to 80.” I now have fibrillation only occasionally and it lasts only a few hours, as I pray to Catherine each time.

In November 1986, Dr. St. James, optometrist at Barry’s Bay, Ontario, told me to see a specialist because I had cataracts in both eyes. In March 1987, after I had prayed to Catherine, Dr. Samis, of Toronto, told me: “No cataracts.” — Father Émile-Marie Briere, Combermere ON

From Catherine newsletter #5 — Summer 2003 :

I can’t seem to find the words to express clearly what I want to say. Suffice it to say that every time I have called upon her [Catherine] for little and big things over the past five years (at least), she has come through with a solution, healing, inspiration, etc.

I don’t know if this kind of letter is helpful or not for Catherine’s cause, but I just want you to know that she is very active in my life, bringing me through situations that would normally set me back, and in need of at least 3 rounds of antibiotics at a time (which has happened when I forgot to ask her for help). — M.B.M., Windsor, ON, 1/9/2003

That Sunday, like all other days since my [medical] report came back, I was very fearful, upset, etc. I was sitting in the living room, between 7:30 and 8:00 pm, when I had a very strong feeling that something had happened, things were different. No more fear, no more crying; felt great, at peace. Just knew that all would be fine, that God was in charge.

My daughter called to see how I was making out. I related to her what had happened to me the previous evening. She asked me at what time that had transpired. When I told her she said that was the time she had gone to Catherine’s grave and was prayed over in proxy for me. I am certain that it was through Catherine’s intercession that I was healed of my fears. — L.P., Augusta, Me, 6/12/2002

I attribute to Catherine Doherty the speedy recovery (two years ago) from a severe brain operation of a member of our parish. She continues to be a very active member of her church in so many ways. — M.H., Belleville, ON, 9/2002.

From Catherine newsletter #4 — Fall 2002 :

Four years ago I was called to help in the parish of St. George here in the U.S. I am West Indian but had been working in England. Afraid and unsure of American immigration, I turned to Catherine. I intended to return to the West Indies but the need here in the U.S. was desperate. My request was that she take care of my arrangements with immigration. If it was God’s will that I stay in the U.S., then all would work out well. She worked fast.

Before the appointed time for final proceedings for Permanent resident, an unheard of thing happened. Immigration actually called me by telephone, asking me to bring my passport in to be stamped as Permanent Resident as soon as I could get there, since they wanted to complete my case before a certain date. They requested only one letter which I could not get at the moment since our parish priest was away. I was told to come without it. All went well. To the amazement of all who know of the struggles of immigration. Thanks to Catherine. — Sister M.V., Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

My son had his tonsils removed this year. It is a normal part of recovery to develop ear aches 3 or 4 days after. The pain in his ears was terrible. He was using Tylenol #3 every 4 hours with little relief. About noon he was in great discomfort. I offered to pray for him with Catherine’s relic. He agreed, and within 15 minutes the ear aches and pain were gone and did not return, and he recovered completely. — anonymous

I was visiting a patient in the hospital. His wife was with him and she told me about this terrible pressure headache she had. I offered to pray with her with Catherine’s relic. She placed the relic on her head while I prayed to Catherine. Within minutes the pain was gone.

Catherine guides me in my daily life. My cry for help in many different situations is placed in her care and she always comes to my assistance. I feel a very deep and personal bond with her as my “spiritual mother.” — M.Y., Ontario, Canada

Many friends and family have been out of work since September 11th, 2001. Of the eight people for whom I prayed to Catherine, seven have gotten work: my brother, a teaching job in a university; my sister-in-law, a position assisting a pediatrician; and five friends who lost their jobs were miraculously employed within five months. Also, my brother was having difficulty with his advisor, which delayed his being able to set up a defense of his dissertation. He got to defend it in March and received his doctorate in April. — R.M., New York, U.S.A.

From Catherine newsletter #3 — Summer 2002 :

“My visit with Catherine was short and to the point. I asked her about starting a house of prayer. She took my hand, closed her eyes, and prayed for a few minutes. When she opened her eyes she said, ‘Do it!’ I was so excited and elated that I ran all the way to the chapel and thanked the Lord wholeheartedly. A great joy. Soon after that I got a call from the Bishop who said, ‘I have a house for your house of prayer.’” — C.C., New Jersey, USA, 6/17/2001

“I write today, almost lightheartedly. Two months ago when I was put into prison on remand, denied bail for weeks, and then released and kept in illegal custody, things were grim. Grim! Well, I lost 99.9% of my faith. I came close, so close, to suicide, that it is frightening for a Catholic, a Christian.

“Then one of the young men who knows me came to the prison. From a collection of papers from an organization he works for, he gave me a copy of Restoration [the monthly newspaper published by Madonna House].

“Twenty-five years ago I started to read Catherine’s books, and enjoyed them on many levels, related to them in many ways. When I read that she is recognized as a Servant of God, I was not surprised. I recognize her as a Saint even now. It might take the Church time to process that, but I believe I do not stand alone in my belief.

“I prayed for light, His light. I prayed for justice and freedom. I prayed for the peace I needed to have the courage to battle through what I know will be a court case that could drag on for years considering the red tape and corruption. I used the prayer of intercession as suggested. Did I get a miracle? I was not at death’s door physically, but I was close to death mentally and spiritually. I was so close to committing a real sin.

“It was almost incredible that in the end I had to spend extra days in prison because of the Court’s and the Judge’s holidays. I was angry at God over that! It all seemed so unfair after 6 weeks! On Sunday afternoon, knowing that I would be released on Monday, I sat quietly, giving praise to God.

“Then a total non-Christian came up to me and asked me about my Christian faith. It was just too uncanny. I had found a secluded spot in the prison yard and while reading my Office this man (who had had 6 weeks to ask me about my faith) picked the day before I left! I got such a spiritual lesson out of that that I nearly mentally fainted!

“A miracle? I’ve no idea. I know one thing, though: Catherine’s spirit was there with me in that prison. No question about it, no doubt at all. An ageless Catherine, a presence that didn’t have age, but had personality, and the person was her, no question. Our small community is aware of this and we are aware that somehow she is with us in our prayers of intercession.” — P., Visakhapatnam, India

“I had clipped out of Restoration the prayer to ask for favours through Catherine’s intercession. In 1998 I had a diabetic condition. Believe it or not, I no longer take insulin, or pills; and two weeks ago my doctor told me I no longer had to do glucose testing daily. All that I needed to do was see him once a month to check how things were. A miracle? I think so, even though there was work on my part and guidance by the right doctor. It doesn’t seem like an accident that this could come about after having to take 52 units of insulin daily.” — B.P., Ontario, Canada

“My sister-in-law was visiting. She asked if she could use Catherine’s relic on my ear, and some prayers were said. I felt my ear pop and was getting relief. After a few days I am feeling better.” — C., Ontario, Canada

From Catherine newsletter #2 — Winter 2001 :

“I firmly believe that the intercession of Catherine has helped me through a major crisis in my life. My business had been in serious trouble for the last few years, and everything was coming to a head this year with the bank beginning to close in on me. Although working and praying very hard for the past 2 years, the solution always remained out of my grasp. As time closed in on me with liquidation and all of its consequences to my wife and children, I began praying every single day to Catherine to intercede for me. I believe that in the final 20 days that I prayed, Catherine’s intercession produced the favour that God granted me. The business has been successfully sold, avoiding bankruptcy and allowing me to continue in good, honorable employment for the new owner, with the chance to build it up again. I thank Catherine for her intercession.” — A.B., Connecticut, U.S.A.

“We moved my wife 200 miles to the hospital. She had three operations - the third lasted six and a half hours. At this time I appointed Catherine as my wife’s head nurse, and left her life in the hands of ‘the Head Nurse.’ Her condition changed rapidly. In about two weeks she was transferred from Special Care to Rehab. She was then released from the hospital and sent home. The doctor said in a month she will walk on her own. Catherine is now her Head Nurse.” — J.M., Tennessee, U.S.A., 7/31/2001

“I have suffered with arthritis for many years. Eight years ago they removed the meniscus from my two knees; also I have suffered from an insufficiency of the veins for at least 30 years. For at least 10 years I have not been able to kneel and get back up again without trying to do so 5 or 6 times. The pain was insupportable, especially at night. I began the novena to Catherine and I improved from day to day. At the end of a month I left the wheel chair and I have never needed it again. I consider that it is a great healing and it is on the advice of my spiritual director that I wrote you. Let us give thanks to the Lord, his Mother, and Catherine, for having interceded with the Father for my cure. I am infinitely grateful for this great grace received gratuitously.” — C.B., Quebec, Canada

“I wish to share with you some favours that I received through the intercession of Catherine. 1) I was suffering from a severe heart attack three months ago. Now I am very well. 2) There is a lady who was suffering from severe womb trouble; cancer was suspected. I prayed to Cathrine on her behalf and when she had surgery she was found to be normal.” — Father D.J.B., Sri Lanka

“For the past year and a half, our granddaughter has been suffering with mental illness and has needed several hospitalizations. About 2 weeks ago, when she was again an in-patient, I received the first newsletter [Catherine] and began praying to Catherine for her healing. Last Friday she was discharged and the family is amazed at the change in her. Most common is the remark, ‘She’s herself again.’ I know that mental healings are hard to verify, but I really believe that this is due to Catherine’s prayers.” — A.T., New York, U.S.A.

“I have been praying through Catherine’s intercession after my two little boys were murdered and the subsequent suicide of my wife. My grief was devastating and I could find no real relief or understanding of my loss through counseling, medication or associates. I believe Catherine interceded on my behalf, granting me an assured closure in the realization that my little sons are safe and joyful in the hands of God.” — A.J., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From Catherine newsletter #1 — Summer 2001 :

"I used the prayer asking for favours through the intercession of Catherine Doherty. I used it daily in my most difficult circumstances. I must confess that I was fortunate enough to receive all of my requests better than I expected: 1) my own financial needs were granted; 2) my health restored; 3) the sick for whom I prayed have better health; 4) unity and peace were granted for those who wanted me to pray for them. I will continue to ask for her intercession. Wishing you all the success in promoting the cause." — D.G., Sri Lanka, 7/25/2000

"Testimony: Through Catherine’s intercession I asked Jesus to continue to finance my daughter’s education in France. The day before she returned to Paris, three-quarters of the necessary funds had come in donations. Thank you Lord Jesus. Thank you, Catherine. I pray to her every day as I am convinced that she intercedes for us before God." — M.L., Québec, Canada, 10/1998

"I have been praying to Catherine Doherty for the last two or three years for forgiveness and reconciliation between family members, particularly siblings. A week ago I received a phone call from a brother and he also phoned my sister. He had been estranged from one sibling for about 14 years and from the other for about 5 years. I’ll continue to pray to Catherine for three others who need to forgive and be reconciled. Prayer does work and miracles do happen." — C.A., Ontario, Canada, 12/14/2000

"Our son complained of frequent back pains. The doctor said that this pain could in some way be connected with infections. After tests, his urine revealed a high white blood cell count, indicating severe infection. He was scheduled to see a specialist in a week. Before this appointment, we prayed over our son, asking or Catherine’s intercession.The urinalysis that week showed no trace of infection. Fifteen months later he has also been completely free of the back pain." — W.Z., Ontario, Canada, 10/13/2000

"I wish to tell you that I’ve been praying to Catherine Doherty for two weeks faithfully saying the prayer asking for her favours. My request was granted. I was hired today to begin employment. I am so very grateful and blessed." — L.S., Pennsylvania, U.S.A., 3/1/2000

"I want to thank God for taking the pain away from my back.I believe it was through the intercession of Catherine Doherty.I prayed to God and asked Catherine to pray for me to have the pain leave if it was God’s will for me. I went to sleep and when I got up in the morning, the pain was completely gone. I believe this happened through her prayers for me. I think God granted me this blessing through Catherine Doherty and I thank her very much." — M.L., Ontario, Canada