Eileen O’Connor’s journey toward sainthood has entered a new phase, now under the care of the Vatican, following the formal conclusion of the diocesan stage of her canonization process by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP on Friday, August 16. The archbishop officially signed the final decree for the acts of the cause at Cathedral House, in the presence of members of the Eileen O’Connor tribunal and the historical commission. This marks a significant step towards potentially making her Australia’s second saint.
The decree, along with the extensive documentation gathered by the tribunal and commission over the past four years, was dispatched to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome on Monday. Diocesan postulator Fr. Anthony Robbie, who has overseen the entire process, prepared and sealed the documents for their journey to Rome. Fr. Robbie noted the growing devotion among Catholics who are learning about Eileen and seeking her intercession in prayer. He remarked on feeling her presence during this process, describing her as an “agent of heaven” who has been a source of inspiration and guidance.
In October, Fr. Robbie will accompany Archbishop Fisher to Rome to formally present the documentation to the dicastery. They are hopeful that a Roman postulator will be appointed to advance the investigation. Fr. Robbie emphasized that the next step involves searching for a miracle to confirm God’s approval of their efforts, a task they are pursuing with great dedication.
Fr. Julian Wellspring, the episcopal delegate to the tribunal, was also present at the final signing. Reflecting on the process, which began in February 2020, he shared that he initially knew little about Eileen O’Connor but has since come to admire her life, marked by physical suffering and deep faith. He finds her story to be a powerful call to holiness, offering a unique encouragement to others.
Dr. Jocelyn Hedley, president of the historical commission, believes that Eileen O’Connor stands as a “saint for life,” especially relevant in today’s culture where the value of life is often overshadowed by a focus on physical health, beauty, and strength. Eileen, who endured significant physical suffering, challenges societal norms by demonstrating that weaknesses and vulnerabilities can be united with Christ’s sufferings, offering a profound witness to faith.
Eileen O’Connor was born in 1892 and passed away in 1921 at the age of 28, having lived a life marked by severe illness, including tuberculosis of the spine, spinal curvature, stunted growth, periods of blindness, long-term paralysis, and intense nerve pain. Despite her suffering, she devoted her life to God’s mission, co-founding the Our Lady’s Nurses of the Poor, commonly known as the “Brown Nurses,” with Fr. Edward McGrath MSC.
In 1936, her remains were moved from Randwick Cemetery to the chapel at Our Lady’s Home in Coogee, Sydney, where her body was reported to be incorrupt. Eileen O’Connor was declared a Servant of God in 2018, marking the beginning of her cause for sainthood.