NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN CITY, 2 (NE) The Holy See released yesterday a press communique concerning the dispensing from the norm of the time to be waited before opening the beatification process of Mother Teresa, granted by Pope John Paul II in order to begin the process of beatification of the beloved nun.

      "The Holy Father," points out the communique, "has granted permission, upon the request of the Archbishop Henry Sebastian D'Souza, of Calcutta, and of numerous Bishops, for the diocesan process of beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta to be able to start, dispensing from the norm which states that five years must have elapsed from the death of the Servant of God before beginning the process."

      "Following this dispensation, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, on December 12, 1998, issued the rescript authorizing the Archbishop of Calcutta to begin the process of beatification of Mother Teresa." The communication ends pointing out that "it is now up to the Archbishop of Calcutta to carry out the preliminary proceedings and then to constitute the tribunal which will examine texts and will gather documentation relating to the life and virtues of the Servant of God."