Category: canonisation

French YCW founder canonisation process moves to Rome

The diocesan process for the cause for canonisation of French YCW founder-chaplain, Fr Georges Guérin, concluded at a ceremony in Paris on 16 May 2025.

Vicar-general Mgr Michel Guéguen presided at the event which took place at the office of the Workers’ Catholic Action (ACO) movement.

Born on 24 October, 1891 in Grandménil, commune of Écrouves (Meurthe-et-Moselle), Fr Guérin died on March 15, 1972 in Paris.

An apprentice metal tester then an office worker, he was ordained a priest of the diocese of Paris in 1925 and was appointed vicar at St Vincent de Paul parish in Clichy, an inner suburb.

Appointed as chaplain to the new movement in 1927, he remained in this post until 1950.

Georges Guérin is now recognised as a “servant of God.”

The process now moves to Rome, where another investigation will rule on the heroic nature of his virtues and eventual recognition as “venerable.”

Fr Georges Guérin (left) with Fr Joseph Cardijn

SOURCE

Clôture de l’enquête diocésaine pour la cause de l’abbé Georges Guérin (Diocèse de Paris)

READ MORE

Georges Guérin (Joseph Cardijn Digital Library)

Stefan Gigacz, Joseph Cardijn, Georges Guérin and the Jocist Network at Vatican II

New book on Marcel Callo

Rennes seminary lecturer, Thomas Gueydier, is publishing a new book on the French jocist leader, Blessed Marcel Callo, who died in a Nazi concentration camp.

Entitled, “Prier 15 jours avec Marcel Callo” (Pray with Marcel Callo for a fortnight), the book published by Nouvelle Cité will be available on 12 March 2025.

Marcel Callo was a young typographer and YCW leader from Rennes, who was sent to Germany as forced labour.

While there, he organised his fellow workers into jocist teams. As a result, he was sent to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria, where he perished on 19 March 1945, just weeks before the end of the war in Europe.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987.

The book will be available in bookshops on 12 March.

SOURCE

Un nouveau livre sur Marcel Callo, possible futur saint breton (Ouest-France)

READ MORE

Marcel Callo (Joseph Cardijn Digital Library)

PHOTO

Thomas Gueydier / Ouest-France

Belgian bishop backs Cardijn’s canonisation

Bishop Jean-Pierre Delville with former IYCW chaplain Bishop Reginaldo Andrietta before the Mass

Cardinal Joseph Cardijn “is worthy of being officially recognised one day as one of the saints of the Church,” according to Bishop Jean-Pierre Delville of Liège.

Bishop Delville, who was formerly a professor of Church history at the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve, was delivering the homily at the opening mass of the International YCW World Council on Sunday 25 September in Aachen, Germany.
Cardijn was also a “justice fighter,” who was “driven by a deep missionary spirit,” Bishop Delville said.
“He was convinced that the Gospel message borne by the young workers should shine forth and have an impact on many people. He was himself a vibrant and powerful speaker.
“He sparked confidence with the strength of conviction that radiated from his personality. This strength was love, which is an infectious force. All those who knew him have testified to its strength.
“For the sake of young workers, he undertook more than twenty international voyages.
“He became a justice-fighter throughout the whole world. His international consciousness still needs to mobilize us today.
“This is, in fact, the reason why we are gathered here today, coming from various countries, cultures and continents.
“Our cause is worldwide and it should be endlessly developed for the sake of humanity.
“May I again repeat that Pope Francis is already ahead of us in this area? He is the first Pope coming from Latin America and he is well known for his stand in favour of the refugees and migrants of our world.
“He calls us to overcome our fears and doubts, to go out of our churches and venture out to the peripheries of the world.
“This missionary spirit is possibly Joseph Cardijn’s most visible message, and perhaps the reason that Pope Paul VI made him a cardinal in 1965 in order to promote it at the level of the universal Church. 
“Dear friends, let us be sure that Cardinal Joseph Cardijn has not lost his relevance. He surely still encourages us today, and still prays for us and all the victims of our world. 
“We believe that he lives in God’s grace where he intercedes on our behalf.  We are convinced that he is worthy of being officially recognised one day as one of the saints of our Church,” Bishop Delville concluded.

Emeritus Bishop Heinrich Mussinger concelebrates the IYCW Opening Mass

RIP Msgr Stefaan Van Calster

Belgian theologian, Mgr Stefaan Van Calster, the president of the Cardijn Canonisation Tribunal, has died at the age of 79.

While attending an editorial meeting for the international theological journal, Communio, in Warsaw, Poland, he failed to appear at breakfast on the morning of Thursday 28 April 2016.

“This morning he did not appear at the meeting,” a statement from the St Jinscentrum seminary in the Netherlands says. 
“When they went to look in his room, it was discovered that he was already deceased in the early morning. His death is probably due to a heart failure,” the statement says.

“Mgr Van Calster was particularly dear to us and we want to remember him as a very warm and welcoming person, as a dedicated and faithful priest who has acted with unbridled zeal and devotion for the Church in the Low Countries.

“May the Lord grant to him after a life of great service to the community of the People of God, as the eternal rest,” the statement concluded.
“We will truly miss Mgr Stefaan,” Cardijn Cardijn Community International convenor Stefan Gigacz said.
“He worked very hard to gather testimonies and to compile the evidence for the dossier for the Cardijn canonisation process.
“It was thanks to his expertise and experience that we have been able to achieve so much in so short a time.
“The best way to honour his work will be to continue it,” Stefan Gigacz said.
Biographical information
Born on 3 February 1937, Stefaan Van Calster studied mathematics and sciences and was for several years a teacher at the St Rombouts College in Mechelen (Belgium).
After his military service he attended studies at the major seminary of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. After his ordination in 1966, he studied in Munich (D) and obtained the degree from the Institut für Katechetik und Homiletik . He then continued his studies in Nijmegen and obtained the MA in theology, pastoral section. He obtained his doctorate at the former bishop of Liege, Mgr. A. Houssiau, at the Catholic University of Louvain-La-Neuve with a thesis entitled: Bible and Sermon.

He was president of the seminary John XXIII in Leuven from 1970 to 1988. He was also a professor at the Center for Religious Studies in Leuven and the major seminaries of Antwerp and Ghent. He was co-founder and professor at the Center for Priestly Training for Mature Age in Antwerp. He was Ordinary for Pastoral Theology at the”MEDO” – the International Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family . 

Since 1977 he was a lecturer at theMajor Seminary Rolduc Kerkrade and from 1988 to the St. John’s Centre in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where he notably the subjects taught homiletics and pastoral theology. He was founder and first director of (then) Radio Maria Netherlands and Flanders ‘ s-Hertogenbosch. He was a Roman Postulator for the process of beatification of the Latvian bishop Mgr. Boleslavs Sloskans, who died in exile in Leuven. He was also delegatus episcopalis for the beatification and canonization processes include Zr. Maria Tauscher (Sittard), Father Charles of Mount Argus (Munstergeleen) and Dorothea Visser (Utrecht). He was also pastor since 2005 to Mariadorp-Eijsden. He was also editor for Belgium of the international Catholic journal Communio .

Because of his great services to the Church in the Low Countries appointed Pope Benedict XVI Dr. Stefaan Van Calster until erekapelaan the Pope ‘in 2010. Since then, as “Professor Van Calster,” as he was known by everyone, is “Monseigneur Van Calster’ call, and if he his cassock wearing the purple regalia, peculiar this honorary office.

In the pictures we see Mgr. Van Calster with Pope Benedict XVI, with Msgr. Léonard during a canonization, in his parsonage to Maria Village, as a teacher and as a preacher.

SOURCE

Today’s generation ‘misses Cardijn’: Guy Tordeur, postulator

“Our grandparents had to fight for a health service, union privileges. Young people today also need to take their fate in their own hands,” says Belgian trade union leader Guy Tordeur, who is also the postulator in the cause for canonisation of Joseph Cardijn.

However, today’s generation is “missing Cardijn”, Tordeur told Kerk en Leven magazine, explaining the reasons for launching the canonisation process.

Read a Google English translation of the full interview below

Guy Tordeur, Postulator in the beatification process of Joseph Cardijn.

Behind the desk Guy Tordeur hang large pictures of the strike for the 45-hour week in 1955, of the murdered mgr. Oscar Romero and of a landless peasant girl in Brazil.

Until the end of this year Tordeur ACV union secretary of Brussels-Halle-Vilvoorde, a task which he combines with that of postulator of the beatification of Joseph Cardijn recently.

‘The other belittle makes you certainly not bigger ”

Erik De Smet

Some street names are closely associated with institutions. In Brussels Pletinckxstraat for Christian pillar. Once stood here the German mission, which in 1918 was caught and passed into the hands of Joseph Cardijn and his Christian Social Work.

In that place now works Tordeur Guy pointing at the plaque for a deported by the Nazis predecessor. “We should not think that the social struggle is won forever.”

– How did you help to look after?

Cardijn’s beatification process I myself had never thought of. The demand to participate in the beatification process of Cardijnplein the lead comes from other continents, but the procedure had to take place in the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. Cardijn I did not know personally, because in 1963 I saw him once, and only from afar. In Halle, where he grew up, we launched a group called the former kajotters association Cardinal Cardijn, to keep his work. Award alive. It was the International Community that Cardijn me by Msgr. Leonard recited as postulator. He agreed and asked me to install it. Ecclesiastical court It is a rigorous process. The first part consists of collecting testimonies and historical research.

– Do you consider yourself as an heir of Cardijn?

The kajotters (YCW members) I learned on my fifteenth know thanks to a priest at St. Roch Parish in Halle. From Cardijn I got especially his famous method of seeing-judge-act with it, as well as his attention to young people who have fewer opportunities. For Cardijn was everyone “child of God”. The mass movement of young workers is no longer there, but here in Brussels are still working brave nuclei of KAJ (YCW) who care about the youth and the rights of young people in temporary work.

– Signed Cardijn’s vision your career?

If you have received a lot of you have a lot of passing. Nineteen years ago, I was elected union secretary. I learned a lot in the labor movement, such as listening carefully. However, I also got the faith with the malleability of society. By team form, you can change the world. Hence my great admiration for Sister Jeanne Devos. The plight of domestic workers is due to its commitment today advocated at the highest international level. In Brussels, I am involved in the operation of the team of the Begijnhof Church, with Father Daniel, app dedicated to undocumented workers. In the beatification process, we will have to talk about miracles. But what are miracles? Cardijnplein brought many in motion. In the Gospel it is called that lame start walking.

– You stood at the cradle of the action “Save the solidarity against the division of social security. You got the Prize for Democracy for. Did that fight also face inspiration?

Our social security system is the parapet for whom it is difficult. In countries such as El Salvador, I saw what a society with no or weak social security bodies. Sick, there may be no medical care afford. Even today, there is a need for people who oppose individualization, against I-society. The other belittle, makes you really not bigger.

– Cardijn’s episcopal motto heralded “Evangelizare pauperibus”, proclaiming the Good News to the poor. What does that mean today?

We must dare to dream structures casting. A fairer society everyone better. I conducted collective bargaining and resolved to always explicitly show respect for the patrons. You only get respect when you showing self-respect.

– You not only dwells on Cardijn’s workplace also has double roots in common with him: Halle and Brussels. Does that mean anything?

I was born in Anderlecht, Cardijn in Schaerbeek. And like him, I grew up in Halle. Brussels I see no way a threat. With its diversity and multilingualism, rather I see our capital as a challenge. Brussels is like a diamond. Net the many facets make the city sparkle. In Brussels, I met a lot of nice people. Of course, the city also has its raw edges, but it is my belief that something good dwells in every human being. And if you do good feed, which grows into a man.

My deepest motivation is to live the core Cardijn’s legacy and help out. Society behind the man. Our grandparents had to fight for a health service, a union privileges … Young people are back to challenge their fate to take in their own hands. Only they miss today Cardijn, I think.

Google Translation

SOURCE

Erik De Smet, ‘De ander kleineren, maakt jou heus niet groter’, Kerk en leven, ONLINE VERSIE VAN DE WEEKKRANT – NUMMER 15 – 09 APRIL 2014

http://www.kerknet.be/…/kerkenleven_1396855630_141508.pdf

Installation of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal for the Cardijn canonisation inquiry

Archbishop AJ Léonard formally constituted the Ecclesiastical Tribunal  to inquire into the canonisation of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn on 16 January 2014 at a special meeting in Mechelen, Belgium.

Mgr Stefaan Van Calster will act as episcopal delegate (president) of the tribunal. Trade union leader Guy Tordeur, who is also a member of the IYCW Management Committee and the International Cardijn Foundation, was appointed as Postulator.

Fr Felix Van Meerbergen, CCI chaplain for Belgium and Europe, is Vice-Postulator.

Fr Tim Peeters, a canon lawyer for the Mechelen-Brussels Archdiocese, was appointed as Promoter of Justice.

Ms Els Van Mulders acted as Notary for the installation of the tribunal and Mr Chris Van Houte will take on the role for the remainder of the process.

Five theologians were appointed to the tribunal:

Dr Jacques Vermeijlen

Dr Kristof Straus is a professor of systematic theology at the Catholic University of Leuven.

Norbertine priest Fr Benny Berrens

Dr Walter Cueppens is a specialist in thomistic philosophy and on Francisco De Vitoria

Dr Alain Thomasset SJ is professor of moral theology at the Centre Sèvres in Paris where he holds the Jean Rodhain chair, named for the YCW chaplain who became the founder of Caritas International.

Six historians were also appointed.

Dr Marcel Gielis was formerly a lecturer at Tilburg and now works at KUL.

Fr Filip Hacour is from the Mechelen-Brussels Archdiocese.

Mr Stefan Gigacz is a doctoral student at the University of Divinity in Melbourne, Australia, where he is preparing a thesis on the role and impact of Cardijn at Vatican II.

Dr Philippe Annaert teaches at the Institute of Theological Studies in Brussels and in the seminary of Namur. He also works in the Belgian National Archives.

Fr Luc Roussel is a historian and a former national chaplain of the Walloon YCW. He also worked on the IYCW History Project from 1997-2000.

Dr Karim Schelkens is secretary of the European Society of Catholic Theology. He is a specialist on Vatican II working as a researcher at KUL leuven.

Ms Therese Van Boxmeer will act as official translator.

Cardijn Canonisation process launches in Belgium

A Belgian committee working for the canonisation of Joseph Cardijn began work following a meeting in Diest on 29 August.

Fr Felix Van Meerbergen called the meeting in response to the CCI appeal launched during the Vatican 2+50: A Cardijn Perspective conference held in Manila, Philippines last October.

“It surprised me that preparations were never made ​​to investigate whether Cardinal Joseph Cardijn could be canonised,” Fr Felix said after the meeting.

“The founder of the Young Christian Workers has inspired countless enthusiastic young people and enthusiastic. It also played a large part in my calling to follow his example (as a priest).

“Then came from Asia and the Pacific a sudden demand for the canonisation of Cardijn.

“Cardijn’s passionate fight for justice was never detached from a union with Christ and his love for the Catholic Church.

“It’s not nostalgia. It is a revitalisation, a revitalisation of the Christian Workers Movement. Cardijn has great prophetic content, he is a prophet for our time,” Fr Felix explained.

International YCW president Ludovicus Mardiyono also took part in the meeting.

“It was good to be with you and former YCWs to start a huge mission for the beatification of Cardinal Cardijn,” Mardi commented.

CCI Secretary General MJ Ruben added that “Although we are not physically there, CCI is united with your efforts…we are doing our best to promote this cause….”

CCI Canonisation Committee Convenor has also called a meeting to take place in Trichy, India on 21-22 September 2013.

“Fr Servatius will also visit Belgium in November this year to meet Fr Felix Van Meerbergen and his team…to express our support and also to offer all possible assistance…,” Ruben added.

Photo: Canonisation committee meeting, Diest, Belgium. Photo by Ludovicus Mardiyono

V2+50 launches canonise Cardijn campaign

The Cardijn Community International is launching a campaign for the canonisation of YCW founder Cardinal Joseph Cardijn following its Vatican 2+50: A Cardijn Perspective conference in Manila from 11-14 October.

A committee will begin work towards the canonisation immediately, CCI convenor Stefan Gigacz said in a statement.

“Cardijn played a key role at the Second Vatican Council as a member of the Pontifical Commission on Lay Apostolate and later at the Council itself,” Mr Gigacz said.

“As recalled by former IYCW President Ms Betty Villa in her video presentation, Cardijn insisted that the Council should recognise the specific role of lay people in the world acting consciously and responsibly to transform the world in the ordinary circumstances of life.

“His See Judge Act method was endorsed by the Vatican II Decree on the Lay Apostolate, Apostolicam Actuositatem, and was adopted in the drafting of the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes.

After the Council, Cardijn’s method formed the basis of the “new evangelisation” process launched by the Latin American bishops at Medellin in 1968.

¨”It is extremely heartening to hear that, in his address to the Synod of Bishops, Chilean Bishop Pedro Ossandon Buljevic again emphasised the See Judge Act method as integral the process of ‘new evangelisation’,” Mr Gigacz added.

Conference speakers included former Caritas Asia director, Fr Bonnie Mendes, Indian professor Fr X. Selvaraj SJ, Attorney Aurora Santiago, President of the National Council of the Laity of the Philippines, and Fr Marlon Lacal of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines.

In other major decisions, the conference also adopted resolutions to prepare an international survey into the social impact of Vatican II among grassroots Catholics around the world, the results of which will be shared at a global conference to be held in India in 2015.

Full details of the conference will be available shortly on the conference website: www.vatican2plus50.com

LINK

www.josephcardijn.com