Why a challenge to support

in the beatification process of

Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche?

In a beatification process, the Catholic Church focuses on the special life of a person. The goal is to officially recognize a person's exemplary life and virtues and to present them as a model of the faith. The process follows clearly defined guidelines established in canon law and papal documents.

The beatification process of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche has already taken important steps.

• 1933: The proceedings are opened by the Bishop of Ivrea, in whose diocese Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche died.



• 2006: Confirmation of the heroic degree of virtue of the theological virtues faith, hope and charity as well as the cardinal virtues justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance by Pope Benedict XVI.

Beatification now requires a miracle that can be attributed to the intercession of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche. This could, for example, be a medically unexplained healing, which would be investigated and confirmed by doctors and a commission of theologians. After the positive recommendation of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, the Pope will then decide on the beatification and the associated permission for veneration in a diocese or in specific communities.

For the faithful, blesseds and saints are examples and proofs of God's work in humanity. The members of the Work of Infinite Love are convinced that God worked in Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche in a special way, especially for the priesthood, and that He intends to continue working in this spirit through her.

Therefore, as Friends of Bethany, we are determined to contribute to making Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche known as the Messenger of Infinite Love. With the Work of Infinite Love, she left us a treasure that we cannot keep for ourselves.

The Church has done its part to recognize Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche as a Venerable Servant of God. The next step lies in the hands of the faithful. A miracle, along with evidence of devotion, prayer, and support, must be presented to achieve her beatification. These tasks are the reason and goal of the Challenge. We are all called to accept the challenge and to pray and work for the beatification of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche.

What does the number code 26/33 mean?

No one knows how or when the miracle we seek will be granted through the intercession of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche. However, it can be helpful to mark a few milestones along the way. These milestones can provide an opportunity to reflect and look ahead, and they can also serve as a constant reminder of the perseverance everyone must have on their journey in and with the Church.

The number code 26/33 stands for these milestones:

• 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the date on which Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche was recognized as a Venerable Servant of God (June 26, 2006).

• 2033 marks the 100th anniversary of the date of the bishop's pastoral letter opening the beatification process (December 8, 1933).

No matter how and when the prayed-for miracle and the beatification of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche become reality, whether soon, sometime between the milestones, or only in the distant future: the Friends of Bethany launch Challenge 26/33 with firm confidence in the work of Infinite Love.

How can you participate in Challenge 26/33?

The usual ways to support a beatification process are:

• Evidence of the widespread veneration of the person,
• Evidence of a miracle through the intercession of the venerated person,
• Evidence of support for beatification by the “prelates of the Church” (i.e. popes, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons).

To support the beatification of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche, the Friends of Bethany are currently offering three specific "opportunities" in Challenge 26/33, which are aligned with the Church's guidelines. More "opportunities" may arise over time.

Challenge 26/33 – Chance No. 1:

To make Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche and the Work of Infinite Love known and to spread her devotion, you can join the Friends of Bethany through the act of adoration and devotion (see menu item: Work).

Challenge 26/33 – Chance No. 2:

By sharing and using the prayers for the beatification of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche, you can provide crucial support to the process. You can use the prayer templates that have been formulated over time (see "Prayer Sheets - Beatification" and "Text Booklet for the Bethany Hour on Priests' Thursday" under the menu item: Portfolio). You can also use freely formulated prayers for the beatification of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche or address your requests to Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche in your own words, asking for your prayers to be answered. Answered prayers will be systematically collected (see: Answered Prayers - In Preparation).

Challenge 26/33 – Chance No. 3:

The documents relating to the biography of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche and the Work of Infinite Love are intended to systematically compile evidence of the support given to the Work of Infinite Love by the “prelates of the Church”, i.e. by spiritual dignitaries, during the lifetime and after the death of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche (see menu item: Person and menu item: Work).

What can you win by completing the 26/33 Challenge?

The processes of canonization, i.e., beatification and canonization, have profound spiritual significance for the Church and the faithful. They make it clear that holiness is a calling for all Christians and that every believer can attain it: "The imitation of Christ and the pursuit of holiness are a universal call for all believers." (Second Vatican Council, Constitution "Lumen Gentium").

In addition to this universal prize, Challenge 26/33 offers several opportunities to delve deeply into the life of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche and the spirituality of the Work of Infinite Love. The message of the special relationship between the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the priesthood is more relevant than ever. By engaging with the life and writings of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche and the Work of Infinite Love as part of Challenge 26/33, participants contribute to bringing the Messenger of Infinite Love and her mission closer to people today.

Supported by the prayers and work of the participants, the final reward, after the recognition of a miracle that occurred through her intercession, is the official proclamation of Louise Marguerite Claret de la Touche as Blessed.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Friends of Bethany (see menu item "Support/Contact").

PS: All participants in Challenge 26/33 will receive a small thank you gift from the Bethany of the Sacred Heart Monastery in Vische.