The following decree was issued by the Most Reverend William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore
Today with both joy and anticipation I am pleased to announce some first steps toward the possible cause of cannonization for Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, Foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence.
This woman of faith and courage, who founded the first religious community of women of African descent anywhere in the world here in Baltimore, Maryland in 1829, distinguished herself in other ways as well:
An immigrant, she learned English as her third language. She set for herself and her early companions the task of teaching little ones of African descent, in a culture and a climate hostile to meeting this need.
Her initial approach to Archbishop James Whitfield so toucher his heart that he could exclaim, "In this work is the finger of God!
Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange died in Baltimore in 1882 and her funeral took place from the Basilica, then the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has informed me that there is no objection on their part to taking these preliminary steps. At this time, therefore, I am issuing the decree required by the Norms of the Congregation and asking that any writings of Mother Mary Lange or historical documents pertaining to her life and work be sent to me for review by properly designated and qualified experts.
As I issue this decree I also invite the Oblate Sisters of Providence and the many others who have been aware of and touched by Mother Lange's life and example to make more generally known to others what she has come to mean to them.
With all my heart, I commend the Oblate Sisters of Providence for their faithful dedication to their revered foundress. In a special way, I wish to express my thanks to Sister Mary Alice Chineworth, the Superior General, and to Sister Virginie Fish, who has labored with such diligence, wisdom, and commitment to help others know about Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange.
May the Holy Spirit, who has blessed us through the work of this distinguished Servant of God, hasten the day when we may take further steps as envisioned for us by the Norms of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
These steps include the designation of a special tribunal and the appointment of an historical commission. First, however, we look forward to receiving and examining the writings and documents associated with Mother Lange.