KC diocese to open French nun's case for sainthood

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph will open a case to determine if a 19th century French nun will become a saint.

The diocese will hold a service Jan. 21 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to open the case for sainthood for Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey. The ceremony in Kansas City will include swearing in an international delegation that will conduct the initial investigation into the nun's life.

De Mandat-Grancey lived in the 1800s and helped identify a house in Turkey where some say Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived after the crucifixion. The diocese said the shrine is a destination for Christians and Muslims.

The diocese was chosen to open the case after Bishop Robert Finn visited the shrine in 2008. The diocese will send its findings to the Vatican.