Closing Session

Summary of Closing Session of the Diocesan Phase of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization – next steps

At historic Holy Trinity Church in Shreveport on August 28, 2025, the official Closing Session was held for the Diocesan Phase of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Shreveport Martyrs. In a solemn ceremony conducted according to the norms of the Vatican document, Santorum Mater, and in the presence of bishops and other clergy representing four dioceses, along with the officials appointed to the Cause, the lay faithful and community dignitaries, the complete canonical acts and archival documents were sealed to be delivered to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

 All these files, comprising over 5,000 pages in triplicate, were closed with red ribbon and affixed with Bishop Malone’s signet ring in red wax. They will be delivered by Episcopal Delegate Father Peter B. Mangum to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. for dispatch to Rome via diplomatic pouch. From there, the documents will be received in Rome and then officially accepted in another formal ceremony at the Dicastery on October 9, thereby marking the beginning of the Roman phase of inquiry.

The Servants of God of Shreveport may soon be declared Venerable, which will be an act of Pope Leo XIV.