If all goes well, the image of Waclaw Szuniewicz, CM (1892-1963), also known as “Father Doctor” will soon be able to be viewed beside the image of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and many other saints and blessed of the Vincentian Family. The Diocese of Ponta Grossa (Paraná, Brazil) is sending to the Vatican the petition for beatification

Wenceslau Szuniewicz died in 1963 and was buried in Irati (Paraná).

Father Waclaw was born in Poland. He arrived in Brazil in 1952, where he ministered in the parish of San Miguel (Saint Michael) located in Irati, Paraná … he ministered there until the time of his death. Much of his ministry revolved around providing people with social assistance. He established a dispensary and a library, and he practiced medicine in the Charitable Hospital of Saint Vincent de Paul. A local community was then established in that same city.

According to a news report from Radio Najua, Bishop Sergio Arthur Braschi announced the initiation of the beatification process at- the beginning of October (during the celebration of the feast of Saint Michael).

Father Waclaw was also a doctor, recognized internationally as a precursor in the field of ophthalmology (corneal refractive surgery).

The Bishop stated that he had met with Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM (Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity), who had gone to Paraná to learn more about the life of this confrere and to come to an agreement with regard to details about the initiation of the beatification process.

Once the beatification process begins, the individual becomes a “Servant of God.” After careful investigation and verification of miracles by the Vatican, one then becomes “blessed” and then “saint.”

Source: Redação do SSVPBRASIL
http://www.ssvpbrasil.org.br/

Translated: Charles T. Plock, CM
Eastern Province, USA