On November 28, 2021, a ceremony was held to mark the conclusion of the diocesan phase of the process of beatification for the Servant of God, Friar Anton DEMETER, a member of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania. The ceremony took place in the chapel of the Franciscan Theological Institute in Roman, Romania.

The Most Reverend Iosif PĂULEȚ Bishop of Iași, Romania, presided over the celebration. Those concelebrating included the Most Reverend Petru SESCU, Auxiliary Bishop of Iași; the Most Reverend Petru GHERGHEL, Bishop Emeritus of Iași; Friar Damian Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU, Minister Provincial of Romania; and many priests. Others attending included many consecrated religious, men and women of the Secular Franciscan Order, the faithful, family members, friends and devotees of the Servant of God. The large presence of the faithful is a visible sign of the fame of holiness already enjoyed by Friar Anton. While Friar Anton was incarcerated during the communist regime, a prison guard hit his spine with a hammer, causing his legs to be totally paralyzed. Friar Anton was confined to a wheelchair for forty years.
Friar Damian, during his homily, taking his cue from the liturgy of the word of the first Sunday of Advent, emphasized its relevance for every Christian and the exemplary way in which Friar Anton was able to embody it in his life, both under the persecution of the communist regime, and after its fall, until December 20, 2020, when he returned to the house of the Father.
At the end of the celebration, the last documents necessary for the conclusion of the diocesan phase of the cause of beatification for the Servant of God were signed. They will be sent to Rome, to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which will continue the process.
In the hope of seeing Friar Anton, raised to the honors of the Altars as soon as possible, we invite all our confreres to promote his fame of holiness by proposing him to the faithful as an example of faith in God, especially during moments of persecution, trial and illness, and by recommending him as a faithful intercessor in their prayers.

Friar Virgil BLAJ