Information concerning the process of
Canonization of Blessed Charles Houben of Mount Argus - May 2006

From the Passionist Generalate, Rome.

On November 24, 2005, in the Congress Hall of the Pontifical Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Undersecretary presided at the medical consulta regarding the presumed miracle granted to Mr. Adof Dormans of Manstergeleen (Netherlands) through the intercession of Blessed Charles Houben. Summarizing the case, which was delineated in the "Positio" presented by the Postulator (Fr. Giovanni Zubiani, CP), based on the diocesan process that took place in the diocese of Roermond, the medical doctors who were involved in the study of the matter and who could find no scientific explanation for the incident, gave their unanimous approval for the on-going study of the alleged miracle.

On 22 February 2006, the Bishop, General Promoter of the Faith, presided at the discussion of the Theological Consultors. Concerning the Houben Cause and the presumed miracle attributed to the intercession of Bl. Charles of Mount Argus, the theologians, together with the Bishop Promoter, expressed their positive judgment.

Now the cause will be examined by the Cardinals and Bishops of the same Congregation. If all proceeds favorably, the next step would be the Proclamation of the Pontifical Decree stating the miraculous nature of the event.

Then the Holy Father will request the counsel of the Cardinals in a consistory that will decide the favorability of proceeding to the canonization. If the opinion of the Cardinals is favorable, His Holiness will establish the date for the solemn ceremony of Canonization of Blessed Charles Houben in the Patriarchal Basilica of St. Peter.

Blessed Charles
30 years of age