2nd Part of Therese Neumann

All these occurrences around Therese could not be kept in a private sphere. The interest of the public was aroused. Especially on Fridays, large crowds of visitors would come. The Bishop of Regensburg, Antonius von Henle, had been very cautious concerning the occurrences in Konnersreuth. Public discussions got stormier all the time, so the Bavarian Conference of Bishops decided to get a scientific basis for the philosophical-theological examination of the phenomenon. By order of the Diocesan Authorities, Therese had to undergo medical observation from July 14 - 28, 1927, headed by Dr. Seidl from Waldsassen and Prof. Dr. Ewald from Erlangen. Especially the phenomenon of living without taking any food should be watched and scrutinized by checking her weight, temperature, pulse frequency, and laboratory examinations of her secretions and blood. Four sworn in nurses watched over Therese around the clock, following strict orders of the two Doctors. To check the process, the Doctors themselves came in from time to time, without prior notice. The results of the examinations verified, that "in spite of the intense observation ... not even this could be observed, that Therese Neumann, who was not a second alone, ate anything..."

In October 1927, the Bavarian Conference of Bishops passed a resolution concerning Therese Neumann, to admonish the public "not to form a final judgment on the matter of Konnersreuth, until the Church Authority had decided about this case, and to refrain from visits." The Diocesan Authorities explained in a circular letter "Oberhirtliches Verordnungsblatt" for the Diocese of Regensburg, no. 10, 1927, the necessity for this decision: "This decision was necessary to prevent something like a pilgrimage, even before the basis for this has the attestation of the Church; but even more so, to keep evil-minded people away, who refer to their personal visit in Konnersreut and disseminate untrue reports,... false information, blaspheme all that is supernatural and holy". Furthermore, in this report the process and the results of the fifteen days of strict watch were made known. Referring to the investigational examination it was verified, that not the smallest amount of food had been taken. After this decision of the Diocese, a written permission of the Diocese was required to enter the house of the Neumann family. But even this step could not stop the crowds, so it was given up.

When the National Socialists came to power between 1933 and 1945, a difficult time of plight began for Therese. The National Socialistic Press published sarcastic articles about her person all over Germany. State authorities never missed a chance to put her to shame, cause her inconvenience or threaten her with prosecution or arrest. However, she never had to take any physical reprisal. She made no secret of the fact, that she rejected the political course and the person of Hitler. After Word War II had ended, crowds of visitors came again, among them many American soldiers. Over the years, many people received help, advice and comfort. Many found their faith anew or their faith was strenghtend. Although she never wanted to be the centre of publicity, she did not withdraw from visitors. People lusting for sensation, however, met a harsh rejection from Therese. The visitors were a burden to the Neumann family; it meant considerable restrictions in their daily life. Despite of all this, they continued to live a simple life. Also, the place Konnersreuth was nothing but a village, it did not take advantage of the situation for a profitable tourist attraction.

Therese died on September 18, 1962, after she had suffered from Angina Pectoris for some time. Before she was burried on September 22, 1962, four medical Doctors examinated the corpse und verified, that, even 4 days after death, no rigidity of death (rigor mortis) and no cadaverous smell could be noticed. The corpse was so flexible that some feared an apparent death (suspended animation). Up to this day, many people honour Therese and visit her grave. The Rectory of Konnersreuth alone has received over 40.000 motions from around the world, calling for her Beatification.

Therese has been venerated since her death, her life was obviously virtuous and many miracles have occured during her life time and since her death. Countless people wish her saintliness to be authorized by the Church. Alone to the Rectory of Konnersreuth, more than 40.000 motions have been submitted for a process of Beatification, coming from all over the world. In 2005, Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Bishop of Regensburg, formally opened the proceedings for her beatification.