Fr. Querbes giving the rule; Parish Church, Vourles

     The Norms for the Causes of Saints published in 1983, required only that the servant of God’s edited writings be examined dogmatically and morally; now the Congregation for the Cause of Saints is demanding that all of the candidate’s writings be examined.
      Some time has already past since the theologians examined the edited writings of Fr. Querbes and they issued a very positive report. Later, Br. Robert Bonnafous compiled all of the non-edited writings of Fr. Querbes likely to have some importance and sent them to the theologians to be studied. Several months later, these theologians submitted their conclusions. Not only did they affirm that they found nothing that seems to be contrary to the teachings of the Church in matters of faith or morals, but they added that Fr. Querbes exhibited some inspiring personality traits.
     One of the theologians saw in Fr. Querbes’ writings a concern to safeguard the basis of his work on a solid and perspicacious interpretation of the texts of the Council of Trent. He also commented on Querbes’ talent for pedagogy that are evident in his conferences, which from a doctrinal point of view, appear to be on a higher level than many others of his time. All of this confirms the theologians’ very positive judgment of Fr. Querbes that he gave after he examined his edited writings.
     He also mentioned that although the tone of his letters appears to be rather rigid they reflect the concern and even patience that Fr. Querbes had in regard to his co-workers. These texts need to be read in context and with the literary genre of the spiritual writings of the period in mind. One can only admire the sensitivity with which Fr. Querbes controls the tendency toward spiritual over enthusiasm of Fr. Faure in continually reminding him of the value of the “ordinary virtues.”
    The other theologian also evaluated the documents positively and also emphasized Querbes’ tenacity and perseverance, without which he would not have been able to successfully direct the foundation and growth of the Congregation. He also recognized a great modesty and clarity in regard to the objectives of the Congregation in speaking of his clerics as “grammar-school Jesuits.”
     In his letters one sees a sustained attention to the real situation of possible vocations, a desire to directly control the on-going development of personnel in the institutions established, and a common sense that allowed him to help a co-worker overcome spiritual difficulties that he often described as unimportant, reminding the individual of the fundamental necessity of the “ordinary virtues.”
     Querbes’ conferences exhibit theological depth. His talks were influenced by the apologetic mood of the era, especially when dealing with Protestantism. If we do not make the mistake of taking his writings out of their historical context, we are forced to admire his intelligent reflection, faithful to the hierarchical Church and in keeping with the general opinion of the clergy at the middle of the 19th Century.
    These were some of the observations of the theologians. I believe that it is a good beginning of the study of the exceptional life of the Founder.
     The Judge Delegate has also indicated that he has received several authenticated testimonies regarding the reputation of holiness that have come from various countries. Robert Bonnafous has mentioned that the dossier of the historians could be presented as early as February. We have begun to prepare the final session of the diocesan process. If nothing unexpected happens, this last session will take place at the end of April or the beginning of May.

José Antonio Lezama, CSV
Postulator of the Cause