The canonization process is the official procedure by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person a saint. This process involves rigorous investigation, prayer, and recognition of miracles attributed to the individual. The road to sainthood is divided into four stages, each with specific criteria and significance.
In this topic, we will explore the four stages of canonization, their importance, and how a person progresses through them.
1. Servant of God: The Initial Step Toward Sainthood
The journey to sainthood begins with the title “Servant of God.” This stage is the official opening of the canonization process, where the Church investigates the candidate’s life, virtues, and reputation for holiness.
How Does Someone Become a Servant of God?
- The process usually begins at least five years after death, though exceptions may be made.
- A bishop from the candidate’s diocese submits a formal request to the Vatican.
- The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints grants permission to open an official investigation.
- The person’s life, writings, and works are examined to determine if they lived with heroic virtue.
What Happens in This Stage?
- A postulator (official advocate) is appointed to research the person’s life.
- Testimonies are collected from witnesses who knew the candidate.
- If the evidence is strong, the individual is officially declared a Servant of God.
This stage is crucial as it determines if the person lived a holy and exemplary life worthy of further consideration.
2. Venerable: Recognition of Heroic Virtue
Once a Servant of God has been thoroughly investigated, the next stage is Venerable. At this point, the Church formally recognizes that the individual lived a life of heroic virtue.
What Does Heroic Virtue Mean?
- The person consistently practiced faith, hope, and charity.
- They demonstrated extraordinary devotion to God.
- They maintained moral integrity and humility despite challenges.
How Does Someone Become Venerable?
- The Congregation for the Causes of Saints reviews the evidence collected in the first stage.
- The Pope declares the individual Venerable if they are found to have lived with exceptional holiness.
At this stage, the individual is not yet a saint but is honored as a model of Christian life. Unlike later stages, no miracles are required for this recognition.
3. Blessed: Beatification and First Recognized Miracle
The next step toward sainthood is beatification, where the individual is given the title “Blessed.” This occurs when a miracle is officially attributed to their intercession.
Why Is a Miracle Required?
- A miracle serves as divine confirmation that the person is in heaven and can intercede for others.
- Miracles are usually medical healings that have no scientific explanation.
The Beatification Process
- The Vatican appoints medical and theological experts to examine the miracle.
- If the miracle is verified, the Pope proclaims the person Blessed in a special ceremony.
- The individual may now be publicly venerated in specific regions, dioceses, or religious orders.
Exceptions to the Miracle Requirement
- Martyrs (those who died for their faith) do not need a miracle to be beatified. Instead, their sacrifice for Christ is considered proof of their holiness.
Beatification allows local communities to honor the individual and seek their intercession, moving them one step closer to sainthood.
4. Saint: Canonization and Second Recognized Miracle
The final stage of the process is canonization, where the person is officially declared a saint and added to the Church’s list of saints. This stage requires a second miracle to confirm their intercessory power.
The Canonization Process
- A second verified miracle must occur after beatification.
- The miracle undergoes thorough examination by medical experts, theologians, and the Pope.
- If approved, the Pope formally declares the person a saint in a public Mass.
What Happens After Canonization?
- The new saint is assigned a feast day in the Church calendar.
- They may be venerated worldwide by all Catholics.
- They are recognized as an eternal example of holiness.
At this point, the individual has completed their journey to sainthood, and their legacy is celebrated across the global Church.
Why Is the Canonization Process Important?
The canonization process ensures that only those who lived lives of extraordinary holiness are officially recognized as saints. It serves several key purposes:
- Preserving the Integrity of Sainthood
- The detailed investigation prevents false claims and ensures the person truly lived a life of faith.
- Encouraging Devotion and Inspiration
- Saints serve as spiritual role models, inspiring others to deepen their faith.
- Confirming Miraculous Intercession
- Verified miracles provide evidence of divine intervention, strengthening the faith of believers.
- Strengthening the Unity of the Church
- Saints from various cultures and backgrounds highlight the universality of Catholicism.
Famous Examples of Canonization
Many well-known saints have gone through this process, including:
- Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) – Canonized in 2016 after two confirmed miracles.
- Saint John Paul II – Declared a saint in 2014 after two verified miracles.
- Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – Recognized for her “Little Way” of holiness.
Each of these saints followed the four stages of canonization, demonstrating heroic virtue and miraculous intercession.
The four stages of canonization guide the Catholic Church in recognizing individuals who lived exceptionally holy lives. These stages include:
- Servant of God – The investigation of the person’s life begins.
- Venerable – Recognition of heroic virtue by the Pope.
- Blessed – Beatification after one confirmed miracle.
- Saint – Canonization after a second confirmed miracle.
By following this structured process, the Church ensures that only those who have demonstrated true holiness and divine intercession are honored as saints. Saints serve as inspiration and guides, encouraging the faithful to live lives of devotion, charity, and prayer.