Father Kegler's Message...

Dear Friends of Dr. Tom,

         I'm sure all of you are concerned about the progress of the Cause of Dr. Tom. Because nothing spectacular has happened since our last Newsletter (Feb. 1976) this does not mean things are not moving ahead. As we all know, when it comes to Canonization the church moves very slowly. This is good because the research and study must be comprehensive and thorough.

         Your prayers are needed to obtain some first-class healings (miracles) through Dr. Tom's intercession. Some very good cases are pending and should these miracles be obtained they would certainly mean much in moving Tom's Cause along in Rome.

         We are still looking for a biographer to do the life-story of Tom - one that will be well researched, objective and complete, even touching on possible areas or ideas from those who feel Tom should not be canonized. In other words a fair, honest and complete biography of Dr. Tom. We have some good leads on possible biographers, but need time to study their background and abilities. This definitive biography will then be presented to Sacred Congregation for the Cause of Saints before the Cause is officially introduced so Rome can study the possibility of opening the Cause. We need your prayers to help us find the best biographer.

         Each day's mail brings us encouraging letters and testimonies of Tom's influence on the lives of so many people, his courage, heroic virtue and example. Please God the number will increase as time goes on.

         In the homily of Pope Paul VI on the occasion of the Beatification of Blessed Eugene de Maenod (Founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate) on Oct. 19, 1975, Pope Paul said: "Prayer has been, finally, the secret force of the astonishing fruitfulness of action of these souls. Prayer has sustained them in difficulties and enabled them to perform works that surpass human strength. And their example teaches all the apostles - today and forever - that the interior life is, and remains, 'the soul of every apostolate.' This is the secret and prerequisite of the missionary influence at all levels of the Church in the world."

         May our prayer life make us better witnesses as it did in the life of Dr. Tom and all the saints.

Sincerely in Our Lord and Mary Immaculate.
The Reverend Maynard C. Kegler, O.M.I.
U.S.A. Promoter