On April 21, 1991, an extraordinary event in the history of the Church and of the Congregation, took place in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pope John Paul II, with great reverence, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration marking the beatification of Blessed Marie Thérèse (Jeanne Haze), the Foundress of the Daughters of the Cross. This momentous occasion was a recognition of her life of faith, dedication, and service, and a powerful affirmation of the profound impact she made on the lives of countless individuals through her work and her legacy. The Bishop of Liège, Bishop Houssiau, along with Sr. Marguerite Dirick, Superior General of the Daughters of the Cross, led the liturgy, reflecting on the profound impact of Mother Marie Thérèse’s life and work.
Mother Marie Thérèse’s path to sainthood was not an easy one. Her life was characterized by a deep commitment to God and a tireless devotion to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. As the Foundress of the Daughters of the Cross, she established a community that would bring comfort, healing, and hope to people in need all around the world.
The beatification ceremony on April 21 was a testament to her virtuous life, that was acknowledged on the miraculous healing of Melania Lagamme-Scheuren which played a crucial role in the official recognition of her sanctity.
The miracle that led to Marie Thérèse’s beatification occurred in 1922, when Melania, a Belgian woman, was suffering from what doctors diagnosed as terminal stomach cancer. Her health had rapidly deteriorated, and her condition grew so dire that on April 5, 1922, she received the sacrament of the sick, preparing for death. The doctors had given up hope, and the pain was unbearable, with morphine failing to provide relief.
In the midst of her suffering, Sr. Marie Bernadette, the superior of the Sisters working at the hospital in Malmedy, suggested to Melania that they pray together to Marie Thérèse Haze, the Servant of God, for healing. With faith in her heart, Melania agreed, and the prayer began.
The Sisters in the community of Malmedy rallied together and began a novena for the intercession of Marie Thérèse, reciting the prayer for her beatification. Melania’s daughter, Guilia, read the prayer every day with devotion, ending each session with the Our Father and Hail Mary. For the first nine days, there was no visible improvement in Melania’s condition, and her health continued to worsen.
But in the night between April 22 and 23, 1922, something extraordinary happened. Melania, still weak and near death, experienced a sudden shiver. By the following morning, around 7:30 a.m., she woke up feeling completely different, her stomach pain had vanished, and she was able to drink a cup of coffee without any discomfort. It was an inexplicable healing, confirmed by doctors who were stunned by the sudden and complete recovery.
Melania Lagamme-Scheuren went on to live for another 35 years, in good health, and passed away peacefully on January 31, 1957, at the age of 83. Her miraculous healing was deemed unexplainable by medical science, and it became a pivotal event in the process leading to the beatification of Blessed Marie Thérèse.
The miracle of Melania’s healing serves as a profound reminder that with faith, prayer, trust, and the intercession of saints, God’s grace can work in ways that defy understanding. Marie Thérèse’s life and legacy continue to inspire generations to live lives of compassion, service, and unwavering faith.
The miracle of Melania’s healing serves as a profound reminder that with faith, prayer, trust, and the intercession of saints, God’s grace can work in ways that defy understanding. Marie Thérèse’s life and legacy continue to inspire generations to live lives of compassion, service, and unwavering faith.
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