Mags GarganThere was “joy” and “delight” among the Jesuit community and devotees of Fr John Sullivan SJ at the news he has been approved for the next step on the road to sainthood.
Pope Francis signed a decree last week recognising a miracle attributed to Fr Sullivan, clearing the way for his beatification. Fr Gerry Clarke SJ, parish priest in Dublin’s Gardiner Street, which houses Fr Sullivan’s tomb, said people have been approaching him to “express their delight”, saying the news is “very joyful”.
Fr Clarke said the number of petitions to Fr Sullivan has increased since the announcement and there is a “great sense of hope and anticipation” for the beatification ceremony, which is expected to take place in Dublin.
Fr Conor Harper SJ, vice postulator of Fr Sullivan’s cause, told The Irish Catholic the Jesuit community was delighted “to see one of their brothers honoured”.
Fr Sullivan was a convert from Protestantism and both Archbishops of Dublin welcomed the news of his beatification.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin described the Jesuit as a man who was able to transmit “something of the healing power and the Good News of Jesus Christ”. Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson gave thanks for the public recognition of his “holiness, humility and service of humanity”.