The National Christ Child Society has launched a new website to promote the cause of canonization for Mary Virginia Merrick on the eve of Pope Francis' historic visit to Washington, DC.
"With the first canonization ever held in the United States happening in Mary Virginia Merrick's hometown on Sept. 23, 2015, we wanted to be able to better share the story of this holy woman," said Anne Kelley, national president.
On his visit to Washington, Pope Francis will canonize Franciscan Friar Junipero Serra, who served in the California missions. He also will visit St. Patrick Catholic Church and Catholic Charities.
Mary and her family were active parishioners at St. Patrick's for many years (as an adult, she moved to Chevy Chase, MD and attended the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament). The Christ Child Society has its roots in St. Patrick's neighborhood and preceded Catholic Charities in providing social services to children in need in our nation's capital.
The cause for her canonization opened in 2003 and in 2011, she was named a Servant of God.