A discussion on the figure and legacy of Mother Margherita De Brincat is being held at the Centru Animazzjoni u Komunikazzjoni (CAK) in Birkirkara on March 20, at 6 p.m.
A number of local and international specialists will be discussing Mother De Brincat. Professor Oliver Friggieri will talk on "The Servant of God Madre Margherita in the background of the Maltese society of her times", while Fr Noel Muscat, OFM, will deliver an address on "The Franciscan Spirituality of Mother Margherita". The evening will also include a discussion on the "Contemplation and Apostolate in the Life of Mother Margherita" by Fr Pier Giuseppe Pesce, OFM, and "The Positio and its importance in a Process" by Fr Luca De Rosa, OFM, general postulator of the Cause.
The Positio for the Beatification of Mother Margherita (1862-1952) was recently presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The document discusses the life of Mother Margherita, her fame of sanctity and how she lived the theological and cardinal virtues heroically. A summary of the original material presented for the canonical process, the document follows the declarations gathered from the witnesses of the process of beatification.
In the Positio Fr Ambrose Eszer, OP, general relator of the cause of beatification, presents information and documents proving that all material has been compiled according to the rules with a short piece on the life of the servant of God, her works and spirituality.
Various studies on the way of life and importance of the writing of the Servant of God are also presented. Eight censores are then appointed to study all this documentary material, to give personal impressions and declare a vote regarding whether the Servant of God has lived the Christian life and virtues in a heroic way.
If the majority of the votes is positive, the material is then forwarded for the approval of the Cardinals, who in turn ask the Pope to publish the Decree which states that the Servant of God has lived the Christian life in a heroic way.
However there remains the miracle which asks for another process before the Servant of God is presented before the Pope to be declared Blessed.
The Positio is a very important step as the Congregation and censores have to base their work on the material which is published. They can require certain clarifications or that some material be further documented. This is a task which asks for a lengthy period of time.
Seventeen years have passed since January 27, 1987, when the Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave permission to Bishop Nikol Cauchi, to initiate the diocesan process, which was formally concluded after much work on January 22, 1999. This was an arduous task which required precision to conduct an attentive research. All this work received the affirmative vote of the Congregation on December 1, 2000.
These studies have given a great contribution to the knowledge of the spirituality of this saintly person, and of the precious legacy which she left the Congregation founded by her, called the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus.