
Timeline of the Cause
1952
1952
The Canonisation Processes are delivered by the Bishop of Leiria José Alves Correia da Silva, in 1952. At the time Canon João Pereira Venâncio was named postulator and initiated both processes.
30th April
30th April 1952, the opening session for the Diocesan Processes for the inquiry on the virtues of the Shepherd Children takes place.
1954
When he turns 8, he starts shepherding his parents’ flock.1954
Canon João Pereira Venâncio is in the meantime appointed Bishop in 1954 and begins his service in the Diocese of Leiria in 1958.
1960
1960
Canon João Pereira appoints Fr. Luís Kondor as Postulator for the causes of the Shepherd Children, a position which he held until his death in 2019.
1979
2nd July and 3rd August
Conclusion of the Diocesan Processes for the inquiry on the virtues of the Shepherd Children on the 2nd July and 3rd August for Jacinta and Francisco respectively.
The Processes are delivered to Rome, and on that same year Fr. Paolo Molinari SJ is appointed Postulator in urbe and Fr. Luís Kondor Postulator extra urbem. After a long debate on the possibility of the spirituality of a child attaining maturity in faith – since until then only martyred children were canonised – the Congregation for the Causes of Saints releases a statement on the suitability of teenagers on the heroic exercise of virtues and martyrdom, in which it has a favourable opinion on the possibility of canonising children in the use of reason.
1988
1988
With that favourable statement, the Positio on the virtues of Francisco and Jacinta are written and submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 1988.
1989
13th May
13th May, Saint John Paul II solemnly declares the heroic virtues of the Servants of God Francisco and Jacinta Marto, granting them the title of Venerable.
22nd June
22nd of June a miracle of cure through the intercession of Francisco and Jacinta is approved, thus opening the way for Beatification for both with only one Process.
2000
13th May
13th May, jubilee year, Pope John Paul II beatifies Francisco and Jacinta in Fatima. For the first time, the History of the Church is witness to the beatification of such young non-martyr children. (Jacinta died at the age of 9 and her brother at the age of 10)
2009
28th October
28th October, the death of Fr. Luís Kondor, SVD.
1st November
1st November Sr Ângela Coelho,ASM is appointed Postulator extra urbem.
2012
22nd June
22nd June, Sr Ângela is appointed Postulator in urbe.
2017
23rd March
23rd March the miracle on Lucas Maeda de Oliveira is approved, leading to the canonisation.
13th May
13th of May on the Centenary of the Apparitions of Our Lady Pope Francis canonises the Saint Shepherds of Fatima.