In Catholic theology, prayers are only offered to God, of course. Therefore, we do not pray to saints, but rather, we ask the saints to pray for us—just as we might ask friends on earth to pray to God on our behalf. It is because we believe in the eternal Communion of Saints that we continue to ask Christians who have died to pray for us. (Even in the Hail Mary, we say, "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us...", for we know it is God alone who answers prayer.)

Catherine Doherty believed in miracles, and in the power of the intercession of the saints. The people of God asking for the intercession of someone through prayer is one of the signs the Church looks for in the canonization process. (This inspiration of the people to so call upon a person is itself one of the signs the Church looks for in regards to the lives of holy people.) Thus, God's answers to Catherine's prayers will be considered by the Church as a possible sign of her closeness to God.

“Favours Received” will be a regular part of our newsletter. Some of the testimonies and favours will be from years past, as we have been receiving them since Catherine’s death. We encourage anyone who believes he or she has received favours from God through Catherine’s intercession to send them to the Postulator for the Cause.

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From Catherine newsletter #14 — Fall 2007 :

"On December 19, 2006, I visited my doctor. He informed me that x-rays showed that I was completely free of osteoporosis. I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine for the last four years. For about a month before my visit to the doctor, I had been praying for a healing of my back through Catherine’s intercession. I consider this a miracle of healing through the intercession of Catherine Doherty." — JH, Ontario, 12/29/06

 

"I have received two favors which I attribute to Catherine’s intercession. After trying everything humanly possible to spur a decision for a University to accept my application, I had nearly given up for a timely decision. On that morning of 25 Feb. 1999, I petitioned Catherine for a speedy and successful decision. That very afternoon on 25th Feb., I received an e-mail confirmation. This confirmation enabled me to compete for a fellowship. I did receive the fellowship. I firmly believe that these favors were through Catherine’s intercession." — DG, Ontario, 10/04/99

From Catherine newsletter #10 — Fall 2005 :

"I hereby attest under oath that I was cured instantaneously of a long-standing ailment when the personal icon of Catherine Doherty was applied to my leg four weeks ago and her intercession implored. The ailment has not recurred. In gratitude for this blessing received from Almighty God through Catherine, I remain, sincerely in Christ Our Lord," — GAN, Edinboro, PA, U.S.A.

 

"In December, 1986, my husband was in the hospital, dying of cancer. I had always prayed for his conversion, and his reconciliation with the children. I remember praying to Catherine on December 14, hoping to receive a special grace, since this was her first anniversary in heaven. The priest prayed over him and the pardon was done with the children and me there. No one could miss the peace that had set into this man. He died on December 20. Thank you, Catherine, for interceding for us near the Lord." — CR, Kirkland Lake, ON, Canada

From Catherine newsletter #8 — Fall 2004 :

"I attribute to Catherine the speedy recovery (two years ago) from a severe brain operation of a member of my parish. She still continues o be a very active member of her church in so many ways." — Anonymous, Sept. 2002

"Finally! Finally! Thank you for your prayers for the recent court case for the mother and child we’ve been involved in! Through the intercession of Catherine, it turned out to be good news. The Judge seemed to be considering reunification [of the mother and child] in the near future. We thought it all sounded very hopeful! Catherine did it again!" — TC, Toronto, 2004

 

More Favours Received...