The idea of sainthood often brings to mind holy men and women who’ve lived extraordinary lives marked by virtue, miracles, and an unmistakable love for God. But how does the Catholic Church officially recognize someone as a saint? The process is both rigorous and inspiring, involving careful scrutiny and discernment. This article delves into the official procedures of beatification and canonization within the Roman Catholic Church.
What Is a Saint?
Before diving into the mechanics of canonization, let’s clarify what a saint is according to the Church. Saints are those who have lived a life of heroic virtue, have been faithful to God’s grace, and are believed to be in Heaven. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors” (CCC 828).
Why Do We Have Saints?
The concept of sainthood serves as both a model and a source of encouragement for Catholics. It shows that ordinary human beings can lead a life of extraordinary holiness. Saints become our intercessors, helping us to pray and drawing us closer to God. As the Scripture says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
The Initial Steps Towards Canonization
After someone has died and there’s a widespread belief in their sanctity, what’s the next step? Typically, a local bishop initiates the process by gathering testimonies and documents concerning the candidate. This phase is referred to as the “diocesan phase.” The bishop seeks approval from the Holy See to begin a formal inquiry, after which a “postulator” is appointed to promote the cause of canonization.
Servant of God
The person under consideration receives the title “Servant of God” as the initial inquiry begins. During this phase, the Church examines the candidate’s writings, teachings, and deeds. This is to ensure that their life aligns with Catholic doctrine and shows evidence of heroic virtues.
Venerable: Recognition of Heroic Virtue
After the information has been gathered, it’s sent to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints. If the panel of theologians and cardinals conclude that the candidate lived a life of “heroic virtue,” they are given the title “Venerable.”
Beatification: Blessed
The next stage is beatification, where the person is referred to as “Blessed.” A miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable is usually required for beatification, demonstrating that the person is in Heaven and able to intercede for us. An exception to this rule is made for martyrs, for whom the act of martyrdom is considered the miracle itself. As Jesus says in the Bible, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Canonization: Saint
The final stage is canonization. For this, another miracle is usually required, one that occurred after the candidate’s beatification. After thorough investigation and consultation, the Pope makes the final judgment. The candidate is formally recognized as a saint in a ceremony known as a canonization Mass. The Church then adds the new saint to the canon (official list) of saints, and they may be universally venerated.
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In earlier centuries, the process of canonization was less formal, and people were often declared saints by popular acclaim or by local bishops. These saints are usually referred to as “local saints” and are generally accepted by the Church, although they have not gone through the modern canonical process.
A Continuous Journey of Faith
The process of beatification and canonization is not just about labeling someone as a saint; it’s a profound journey of discernment and faith for the entire Church community. It helps Catholics to better understand the variety of ways holiness manifests in human life. Each candidate’s story adds a new chapter to the ongoing story of God’s work among His people.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the process of beatification and canonization allows us to appreciate the meticulous care the Church takes in recognizing the holiness of individuals. These processes not only remind us of the Church’s rich history but also provide models of faith and virtue for contemporary believers. We are reminded that sainthood is not a remote or unattainable goal but a calling for each of us, as St. Paul reminds us, “to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).
In all these stages and processes, the Church invokes the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that the recognition of saints is not merely a human endeavor but a divine revelation of God’s work in the lives of His faithful. As the Catechism emphasizes, “The witnesses who have preceded us into the kingdom, especially those whom the Church recognizes as saints, share in the living tradition of prayer by the example of their lives” (CCC 2683).
So, when we honor saints, we are essentially honoring God’s work in their lives. And in doing so, we are encouraged to strive for our own sanctity, walking in the footsteps of those who have gone before us in faith.
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Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.