Two Salesians Could Soon Be Venerable

Two Salesians Could Soon Be Venerable

Diocesan Documents for Servants of God Fr. Vendrame and Bp. Marengo Are under Study in Rome

(ANS – Rome – July 22, 2024) – At Salesian Headquarters in Rome, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, postulator general for the causes of saints of the Salesian Congregation, met Fr. John Zosiama, superior of the province of Shillong, India, and Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, superior of the province of Guwahati, India, on July 18.  During the meeting, Fr. Cameroni updated the 2 provincials about the cause for canonization of 2 Salesian Servants of God: Fr. Constantine Vendrame and Bp. Orestes Marengo.

Fr. Vendrame (center) with youngsters

The reports of the diocesan inquiry have already been approved and submitted to the Vatican for further investigation by a team of theologians, historians, cardinals, and bishops. Once this investigation is completed, the decree on the venerability of these two Servants of God will be promulgated and they will be titled “Venerable.”

Fr. Cameroni said he was deeply touched and inspired by the lives of these 2 holy missionaries as he read all the accounts. He asked both provincials to encourage and spread devotion to these holy confreres in Northeast India, involving the whole Church and the faithful. They made an indispensable, unique contribution to the growth of the Church in that region.

Bp. Marengo with a child

The diocesan investigation process for Fr. Vendrame began on August 19, 2006. The provinces of Shillong and Guwahati sincerely are grateful to Fr. Mawrie Barnes, postulator of the diocesan inquiry, for his interest and hard work for this noble cause.

We continue to spread devotion to these 2 Servants of God and pray fervently that the process can proceed smoothly.