Canonization: Difference between revisions
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{{YouTube video|description=How Does the Catholic Church Declare Official Saints?|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUGRdpRJWYA}} | |||
'''Canonization''' is the process by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a [[saint]], meaning they are recognized as having lived an exceptionally holy life, are now in Heaven, and can be venerated by the faithful. The Church canonizes individuals to present them as models of Christian living, to acknowledge their intercessory power (meaning they can pray for those on Earth), and to allow public veneration or worship of them. | '''Canonization''' is the process by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a [[saint]], meaning they are recognized as having lived an exceptionally holy life, are now in Heaven, and can be venerated by the faithful. The Church canonizes individuals to present them as models of Christian living, to acknowledge their intercessory power (meaning they can pray for those on Earth), and to allow public veneration or worship of them. | ||
Canonization doesn't "make" someone a saint; it's more of an official recognition by the Church that this person is already a saint in Heaven. | |||
== Levels == | |||
=== Servant of God === | |||
The process begins locally, often at the behest of the community where the person lived or was known. If there's enough interest and evidence of a holy life, the person is called a "Servant of God." | |||
=== Venerable === | |||
The bishop of the diocese where the person died can initiate an investigation into their life, virtues, writings, or martyrdom. If the findings are positive, the Pope declares them "Venerable," meaning they've lived a life of heroic virtue. | |||
=== Beatification === | |||
To be beatified and given the title "Blessed," a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate needs to be confirmed (unless they are a martyr, for whom this step can sometimes be waived). This miracle is usually a healing that doctors cannot explain scientifically. | |||
=== Canonization === | |||
For the final step to sainthood, another miracle after beatification must occur and be verified. Once this happens, the Pope can proceed with canonization. | |||
== Process == | == Process == | ||
Latest revision as of 20:58, 9 October 2024
Canonization is the process by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a saint, meaning they are recognized as having lived an exceptionally holy life, are now in Heaven, and can be venerated by the faithful. The Church canonizes individuals to present them as models of Christian living, to acknowledge their intercessory power (meaning they can pray for those on Earth), and to allow public veneration or worship of them.
Canonization doesn't "make" someone a saint; it's more of an official recognition by the Church that this person is already a saint in Heaven.
Levels
Servant of God
The process begins locally, often at the behest of the community where the person lived or was known. If there's enough interest and evidence of a holy life, the person is called a "Servant of God."
Venerable
The bishop of the diocese where the person died can initiate an investigation into their life, virtues, writings, or martyrdom. If the findings are positive, the Pope declares them "Venerable," meaning they've lived a life of heroic virtue.
Beatification
To be beatified and given the title "Blessed," a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate needs to be confirmed (unless they are a martyr, for whom this step can sometimes be waived). This miracle is usually a healing that doctors cannot explain scientifically.
Canonization
For the final step to sainthood, another miracle after beatification must occur and be verified. Once this happens, the Pope can proceed with canonization.
Process
The Canonization process, officially Norms to be Observed in Inquiries Made by Bishops in the Causes of Saints, outlines the rules that bishops must follow when they're investigating someone's life to see if that person should be declared a saint in the Catholic Church.
Starting the Process
When someone might be considered for sainthood, the local bishop begins the investigation. They have to look into the person's life, writings, virtues, or if they died for their faith (martyrdom).
Gathering evidence
The bishop or someone appointed by him has to collect all sorts of evidence. This includes writings by the candidate, testimonies from people who knew them, and any miracles attributed to them after their death.
Being thorough
The bishop must ensure the investigation is thorough and honest. They need to check if the person lived a life of heroic virtue or if there's evidence of martyrdom.
Sending to Rome
All the collected information, which must be very carefully documented, is sent to the Vatican. There, a special group (the Congregation for the Causes of Saints) reviews everything.
Miracles
For someone to be beatified (the step before sainthood), usually, a miracle needs to be confirmed. For sainthood itself, another miracle after beatification typically needs to be recognized. These miracles are usually healings that science can't explain.
Public and private devotion
The document also talks about how and when public worship or veneration of this person can start. Initially, it's pretty limited to ensure everything is done respectfully and accurately.
Role of the postulator
A person called a postulator acts like a case manager or lawyer for the cause, helping gather evidence and pushing the case forward in Rome.
Confidentiality and truth
Everyone involved has to keep things confidential where needed, but they also have to be completely truthful.
Decision making
Ultimately, the Pope decides if someone will be declared blessed or a saint based on these investigations.