Commentators Available on Canonization Process and the Life of Pope John Paul II
Contact: Christine Schicker, The Maximus Group, 404-610-8871
ATLANTA, Dec. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pope John Paul II, a man loved and revered by millions of Catholics across the globe, may be one step closer to sainthood. Tomorrow, Pope Benedict XVI is expected to approve the "heroic virtues" of the late Pontiff as part of a series of decrees prepared by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, bestowing the title of "Venerable" on this beloved hero of the Catholic Church. The approval would declare that the Vatican believes John Paul lived a life of holiness, leaving him with only one hurdle left to sainthood -- approval of any miracles associated with his intercession.
Roman Catholics from all countries will celebrate this bestowment as so many believe John Paul deserves immediate sainthood.
The Maximus Group, the leading Catholic communications company in the United States, has assembled spokespersons to speak on the canonization process as well as the life of Pope John Paul II. Among the most requested of our spokespersons on this topic are:
• Fr. Robert Barron, the founder of WordOnFire.org and the Francis Cardinal George Chair of Faith and Culture at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill. Ordained an Archdiocesan priest in Chicago in 1986, he also has published numerous books, essays and DVDs. Nationally-recognized for his dynamic speaking skills and his utilization of advanced and emerging technologies to minister, Fr. Barron is an expert on the canonization process as well as on the history of the Catholic Church.
• Dr. Matthew Bunson, Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, is one of the United States' leading authorities on the papacy and the Church. Bunson served as special consultant on Catholic affairs for USA Today during its coverage of the 2005 papal funeral and conclave. Advisor to the cause of canonization for two Saints, he also authored We Have a Pope!, the first Catholic biography on Pope Benedict XVI in the English language. Dr. Bunson has also served as a consultant to MSNBC, NBC News, CBS Radio, and the BBC, as well as other media outlets.
Full biographies of these commentators as well as additional experts and their topics are available.
The Maximus Group, LLC -- The Maximus Group, a Catholic communications agency, first offered this unprecedented service to the media in 2005 at the time of the passing of Pope John Paul II, during the days of the interregnum and the papal conclave and concluding with the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and his installation as Pope Benedict XVI. Maximus also served as the go-to agency during Pope Benedict XVI's historic visit to the United States in April 2008. Maximus' mission includes providing the news media with reliable, informed, unbiased sources who can participate in intelligent discussions on topics that include a relevant and sometimes entertaining perspective from the Catholic space.
For interview requests or additional information, please contact Christine Schicker at (404) 610-8871.
