The Catholic Church in Benin, the Edo state capital on Saturday issued a proclamation to enhance the cause for the beatification and canonization of 14 years old Vivian Uchechi Ogu, who was shot dead on November 15, 2009 by gun men for refusing their attempt to rape her after robbing the family.
The issuance of the edict is to allow petitions for or against her activities while alive that would be further subjected to a tribunal trial before a decision on whether she could become a saint, would be decided by the leadership of the Catholic Church.
The Archbishop of Benin, Most Reverend Augustine Akubeze, during a special mass, noted the pope included the late Vivian among the 25 people all over the world to begin the process of canonization, adding that late Vivian led an exemplary life and died a heroic death by opting to be killed rather than being sexually defiled.
His Lordship Akubeze said, “Since her reputation for martyrdom and holiness has continued to increase since her death, and after having been formally requested to open the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God, bringing it to the attention of the ecclesial community, we invite all of the faithful who can give valid testimony to come forth and contact the Archdiocesan Curia at the Chancery, No. 30, Airport Road, Benin City with their information, whether favorable or contrary to the reputation of martyrdom and holiness of the aforementioned Servant of God.”
Akubeze directed that the copy of the Edict be pasted in the doors of selected catholic churches and other places for the duration of two months.
