The Cause for Beatification began in the Diocese of Fort Portal, Uganda, where an ecclesiastical tribunal was established to collect the testimonies and documentation required to prove Bishop McCauley's heroic virtue. The diocesan phase has been completed, and the positio — the formal record of his life, virtues, and reputation for holiness — has been submitted to the Holy See for examination by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Approximately one hundred people from across East Africa and Bengal — where Bishop McCauley served his first mission — gave formal testimony about the Christian virtues they witnessed in his daily life. Their accounts, gathered over years, form the evidentiary heart of the Cause.
Those who worked alongside him at AMECEA call him the "Father of AMECEA." He was prime mover in organising gatherings of African bishops during Vatican II, elected first chairman of AMECEA in 1964, and served as Secretary General from 1973 to 1979. Cardinal Maurice Otunga of Nairobi said simply: "Whatever unity we bishops in Eastern Africa have, we owe it to Bishop McCauley."
For most of his adult life, Bishop McCauley battled a facial skin cancer requiring more than fifty surgical procedures. He bore all of it with characteristic quietness, never allowing suffering to become an excuse for slowing down. He died on November 1, 1982 — the Solemnity of All Saints — and was buried in the Holy Cross community cemetery at the University of Notre Dame.
On All Saints Day, November 1, 1982, a valiant man of God died, but a saint was born.
Fr. John Croston, C.S.C.
Five Heroic Virtues
The pillars of his holiness, drawn from one hundred testimonies across East Africa and Bengal, documented in the positio now before the Holy See.
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Multiple pilgrimages to Lourdes. Motto Mariam sequens non devias. Named Virika Cathedral "Our Lady of the Snows." She was his inseparable companion.
Missionary Zeal
Bengal to Uganda. "This is where I should be." First Bishop of Fort Portal, 1961. Convinced the Church in Africa must be led by Africans.
Service of Others
His greeting: "What can I do to help you?" Care for refugees. Relief for 60,000 earthquake victims. Office door never closed.
Acceptance of Suffering
Fifty surgeries for facial cancer. Never complained. Endured significant pain with hope, never losing his joyful heart or hearty laugh.
Simplicity & Availability
Simple rooms. Common dining. Time for everyone. No attachment to material things. A bishop who lived as one among his people.
How the Cause Moves Forward
From the diocesan tribunal in Fort Portal to a declaration by the Holy Father — five stages governed by centuries of canonical tradition.
Diocesan Tribunal
Established in Fort Portal. Witnesses gathered, testimonies recorded under canonical norms.
Witness Testimonies
~100 witnesses from East Africa and Bengal provided formal testimony for the positio.
The Positio
Formal documentation compiled by the Postulator and submitted to Rome.
Vatican Review
Theologians and Cardinals of the Dicastery review the positio. Declaration of Venerable may follow.
Beatification
Upon verification of a miracle, the Holy Father may declare him Blessed.
Key Milestones · Iowa → Bengal → Uganda → Eternity
Support the Cause for Beatification
The faithful are encouraged to pray for his intercession and to report any graces received to the Office of the Vice Postulator. Your witness is part of the living evidence the Church considers in its examination of a Cause.
- Pray the official prayer for his beatification daily
- Report favors or miracles received through his intercession
- Join a devotional prayer group in your parish
- Spread devotion to Bishop McCauley in your community
- Share testimonies of his life and virtues with others
Prayer for the Beatification of Servant of God Bishop Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C.
Grant that the Church may recognize the holiness of Servant of God Bishop Vincent Joseph McCauley for his Veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Missionary Zeal and his Service of others.
God, our Father, you sent Vincent J. McCauley to be our Pastor and Bishop. Grant, we pray you, that his soul may enter eternal life in heaven. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Imprimatur: + Serapio B. Magambo, Bishop of Fort Portal — January 27th, 1983
Pray for His Beatification
Bishop McCauley bore the Cross in body and spirit for nearly fifty years. The faithful of Uganda, Bangladesh, and the wider Church continue to seek his intercession.
The Cause for Beatification of Servant of God Bishop Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C. is administered by the Diocese of Fort Portal, Uganda, in collaboration with the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of the Vice Postulator.