Pope Francis after meeting with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints yesterday have adopted and authorized the virtue of Brother William Gagnon, thereby granting him the title of Venerable.
Having first declared “Servant of God” Brother Gagnon is now two steps out from the four steps of his canonization path. With the Holy Father’s advancement yesterday of naming him “Venerable”, Brother Gagnon is next to named “Blessed” then finally canonized “Saint”.
Brother William Gagnon was born in New Hampshire, May 16, 1905. At the age of twenty-five (25) he joined the Hospitaller congregation of St. John of God in Montreal, located in Quebec. After few years of service with the Order he was allowed to go and serve in the Northern Vietnam, where he dedicated his life to tendering to the wounded and sick, caring and providing for the needy and hungry refugees. He was indeed beyond recognition testified to be a hand from God to the Sick, wounded, hungry and the needy.
He died of a heart attack at the age of 67 on Feb. 28, 1972. He was venerated by many in his grave.
