Cause for canonization of World War I chaplain Father Willie Doyle advances to Rome

The cause for canonization of Servant of God Father Willie Doyle, SJ, officially entered the Roman phase of the cause on Nov. 10 after the documentation gathered during the diocesan phase was formally submitted to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

The diocesan phase of Doyle’s cause was opened by the Diocese of Meath in Ireland in 2022 and formally closed on Oct. 18, 2026.

This is the first time in more than 40 years that a canonization cause pertaining to an Irish candidate has completed its diocesan phase in Ireland. Venerable Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation Sisters, was the last cause in which this occurred.

Jesuit Father Pascual Cebollada, postulator general of the Society of Jesus, will assume the role of postulator for Doyle’s cause, while Father John Hogan of the Diocese of Meath will serve as vice postulator.

“I am delighted that the cause has reached this important stage. I am confident that the cause will progress further and I encourage people to pray through the intercession of Father Willie Doyle,” Bishop Tom Deenihan of the Diocese of Meath said in a statement. “Father Doyle’s generosity and heroism, which stemmed from his religious…