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You may recall that the evidence to be evaluated by the tribunal includes the following:
1. Documentary evidence (letters, writings, recordings, video)
2. Witness testimony, postulator's list and the ex-officio witnesses
3. Expert testimony, i.e. theologians, historians, canonical, etc.
4. Medical testimony in the case of miracles and cures, etc.
5. Other types of evidence as needed by the case.
Testimony by the "living witnesses" is the urgent priority because of the 30 year delay. Many witnesses are no longer able to testify.
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"Eye-witness testimony" is preferred to audio and video recordings which are considered "documentary" evidence. Witness testimony is given in real time and under oath with the ability of the tribunal judges to question the witness spontaneously. Much depends upon the issues of the case which arise as the cause develops.
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We want to present our best witnesses first. How do we do this? We need to prioritize using practical criteria, such as age of the witness, when they met Father, the circumstances, how did they know him, over what length of time, and most important, the nature of their testimony.
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This preliminay step, identifying the nature of the testimony of the witnesses, is used to prioritize our witness list. Qualifying the nature of the testimony is not the same as taking the actual testimony, since this is for the tribunal. However, we are to identify the nature of the testimony to prepare the witness list in order of priority.
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If there are 60 witnesses, the tribunal may decide to hear each witness in a separate session. Typically the eye-witnesses, even those ex-officio, will be responding to the pre-determined questions of the postulator, and for most witnesses the session will last about an hour. Naturally, some of the witnesses will take longer. The point is, there will probably be one witness per session, and witness testimony could last many months.
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Currently we have some criteria for prioritization:
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1. For Claretian witnesses, what do they remember about Fr. Aloysius. When did they meet him, the circumstances during formation, especially when they lived with him in community, what was he like as a young religious (when he was in his 20's, 30's, and 40's, etc. Some of these witnesses may be in their 90's. They also include the Claretian Alumni. Indirect testimony will be important as well, what they remember others telling them about Fr. Aloysius.
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2. Living members of his family, including nieces and nephews. In this the indirect testimony is useful.
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3. Other clerics and religious who were affected significantly by Fr. Aloysius, clerics, religious brothers and religious sisters.
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4. Lay collaborators, members of the Guilds, and those who helped him when Fr. Aloysius was in ministry at his various assignments.
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5. Those who received spiritual graces or miraculous cures through Fr. Aloysius while he was living, etc.
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6. Such indirect witnesses who would be credible.
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7. Any others, even adverse witnesses, etc.
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Another consideration are the years which the eye witness observed Fr. Aloysius, what decade the testimony has relevance to, i.e. the 1920's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, etc. The more elderly the witness, the greater the need to hear their testimony very soon. Many may not be able to testify a year a so from now.
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Please continue your prayers for this intention.
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I remain Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
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