Could this be the next U.S. saint? African-American former slave enters next phase of path to sainthood

Julia Greely's remains were transferred to a Cathedral.

A former African-American slave is possibly one step closer to becoming an official saint.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The remains of Julia Greely were exhumed and transferred to a Catholic Cathedral in Denver.

Greely was born into slavery in Hannibal, Missouri between 1833 and 1848. While her slave owner was whipping her mother, Greely was accidentally struck and lost an eye.

She was best known for her charitable nature and evangelism up to her death in 1918. She provided wood, coal and other supplies to those in need, often anonymously and hidden in the night, according to the Catholic Herald.

Greely would visit every fire station in her city to promote the faith and spread God's word. She wanted the firemen to be prepared for Heaven should they die on the job.

Visitors lined up to pray for Greely's help as they honored her. Some touched the glass holding her skull and bones, while others placed rosaries on the chest and took photos.

Following the open viewing, Greely's chest was screwed shut and sealed with gold wax. It was then moved to a "prominent spot next to the altar at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception."

Greely is one of just four people the U.S. Bishops voted for to allow the sainthood investigation process to begin. She also joins four other African Americans who were considered in recent years.

"Not a bishop, not a priest, but a lay woman," stated Auxiliary Bishop Jorge H Rodriguez-Novelo, noting the ceremony was held 99 years after Greely passed.

"Whether she is an official saint or not she's already a saint to me," expressed Mary Leisring, president of the Julia Greeley Guild.

The archdiocese will gather testimony and documentation of Greely's life and send their report to the Vatican. The Vatican could then open an investigation into her virtues. The first part is expected to be completed in 2018.

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