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CHARLOTTE — This year, the seventh annual Eucharistic Congress will bring Sister Angela Coelho, a medical doctor and a nun from the Alliance of Holy Mary, who was appointed as vice postulator for the cause of the canonization of Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the children who witnessed the appearance of Mary at Fatima. We had the opportunity to talk with Sister Coelho prior to her visit to Charlotte, in a phone conversation:

Q: What are your expectations for this next Eucharistic Congress?

A: I would love to be able to communicate the love for Eucharistic Adoration. Through my entire life and specifically through the Fatima event, the Eucharist has made it possible for us to experience a real Jesus in our everyday lives. Charlotte has the blessing to make a moment, every year, to honor Christ in the Eucharist.

Q: How did the Eucharist play a role in your call to a consecrated vocation?

A: The Eucharist has always been my support and strength, since the early stages of my vocation. The road to a consecrated life is a difficult and sometimes tough road, and knowing I could meet with the Eucharistic Christ, either through the peace in the quietness of Adoration or in the Mass, really became that bridge I needed and helped me to go through all these stages. The Eucharist has always been the strength in my weaknesses.

Q: How do you feel as a vice postulator for the canonization of Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto?

A: I'm honored to be part of the process of canonization. We are still in need of one more miracle for this cause to pass. Until 1981, the Church didn't canonize children and these canonization processes take time. It also depends on how renowned the blessed was, etc. Examples like Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II are examples of expedited processes. Being part of the Fatima canonization process is an honor, not only as a nun, but also as a Portuguese. As a child, I grew up learning about the Virgin of Fatima as one of the most important moments of the history of Portugal, and now the Lord places me to serve in this position, as a nun living and promoting the message of Fatima.

— Carlos Castañeda, Catholic News Herald