Today we celebrate with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth the beatification of
Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a true friend in heaven. She died at a young age but had a profound effect on others during her life, and has brought to many the gift of faith since her death. Her spiritual writings are a testament to her knowledge of living a holy Christian life and striving for spiritual perfection. She has granted countless favors through her intercession. Pray to her for a deep love of Christ, and she will intercede!
She was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, in 1901, the youngest of seven children. After attending public schools, she entered the College of Saint Elizabeth and graduated with highest honors in 1923. Two years later she entered the community of Sisters of Charity at Convent Station in New Jersey. In June 1926, her spiritual director, Father Benedict Bradley OSB, asked her to write conferences for the novitiate. She wrote 26 conferences which, after her death, were published in a book, "Greater Perfection." After profession of vows as a Sister of Charity, Miriam died in Saint Elizabeth Hospital on May 8, 1927. She was 26 years old.
It was in May 2012 that Pope Benedict XVI decreed that Sister Miriam be called Venerable. In December 2013 a panel of cardinals and bishops agreed that a healing, the restoration of sight of a blind child, attributed to Sister Miriam had been accomplished through her intercession. On that same day Pope Francis declared it an authentic miracle.
It is most rare in the Catholic Church that a cause for beatification move so quickly through the approval process. Venerable Miriam Teresa was declared Blessed at a ceremony at Sacred Heart Basilica in Newark, New Jersey, today. Her feast day was set as May 8. The next step is Sainthood.
Read more about Blessed Miriam Teresa and join her
League of Prayer. Founded in 1946, the League works to honor the Blessed Trinity through the Immaculate Heart of Mary by spreading the knowledge of Blessed Miriam Teresa’s life and mission, and by working for her cause for canonization.
Prayer for Canonization
Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, Whom Sister Miriam Teresa loved so ardently, grant that we, like her, may become ever more conscious of Thy Divine Presence within our souls. We implore Thee to show signs that Thy humble servant enjoys glory with Thee in Heaven, and to hasten the day when we may render her a public tribute of our veneration and love.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
