Candidate

A third of the 19th century had slipped by when, one day in Italy, a daughter was born to a man who later became Governor of Rome. At 16 she was described as "a beautiful young girl, high spirited, with the daring recklessness of a lad." She was called the Countess Annette Bentivoglio. At 26 she put away the world, entered the Poor Clare Convent in San Lorenzo. Thereafter she was known as "Mother Mary Magdalene." In time she journeyed to the U. S., founded a convent in Omaha, and one in Evansville, Ind.

Last week these two cities had solemn occasion to remember Mother Mary Magdalene. For now has begun the secret "trial" to determine whether she was worthy to be made a saint. After the proceedings and findings of that trial have been reported to the Vatican, the Pope may announce her beatification, then her canonization.

Catholics in Omaha and Evansville began speculating last week upon the ultimate verdict on the life of Mother Mary Magdalene. Years may pass before they hear it. If the Pope and Cardinals find her life irreproachable, she will receive the title "Venerable." Then, for beatification, will come a threefold test: 1) a reputation for sanctity must be established; 2) the heroic quality of virtues must be established; 3) the working of miracles must be proved. When this test has been passed, upon the Venerable is conferred the title "Blessed."

But not yet will she have achieved sainthood. As "Blessed" she must perform at least two more miracles. After these have been recognized and discussed the Pope may declare her a saint, order her canonization.

Mother Mary Magdalene's sainthood-candidacy is supported by the Very Rev. Albert Kleber of St. Meinrad's, Ind. Chosen as "devil's advocate," whose duty it is to find flaws in all arguments in her favor, was the Rev. Peter C. Gannon, editor of The True Voice, Catholic weekly.

If Mother Mary Magdalene is canonized she will be the seventh saint created during the pontificate of Pius XI. Others are: St. John Eudes, who at the age of 14 vowed himself to perpetual chastity. preached in Normandy, founded in 1641 the Institute of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge; St. John Baptist Vianney (1786-1859), famed parish priest of the little French village of Ars; St. Magdalen-Sophy Barat (1779-1865), foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart; St. Mary Magdalen Postel (1756-1846), foundress of the Sisters of Mercy of Christian Schools; St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597), who "saved for the Church of Rome the Catholic Germany of today"; St. Therese de Lisieux, the "Little Flower" Carmelite nun who became a bride of Christ when she was only 15, died when she was 24. At present there is only one U. S.-born candidate for sainthood. She, Ann Elizabeth Seton, was born in Manhattan in 1774 of Protestant parents. Traveling in Italy she felt drawn toward Catholicism, adopted the Catholic religion in 1805. She founded the Sisters of Charity in the U. S. Her "cause" (candidacy for sainthood) was opened in Baltimore in 1911. Its proponent is Cardinal Merry Del Val.