If you’ve ever wondered how someone becomes a saint, you’re not alone. Canonization is the official term the Catholic Church uses when it declares a person a saint. It’s not a random title; there’s a detailed process that dates back centuries.
First comes the title Servant of God. This simply means the Church has opened an investigation into the person’s life. Next is Venerable, awarded when the Vatican decides the candidate lived a life of heroic virtue.
The third step is Beatification. At this point, the individual receives the title Blessed. Beatification usually requires one verified miracle that happened after the person’s death. Finally, to reach full sainthood, the Church looks for a second miracle and then issues a formal decree of Canonization.
You might think saints are only about history, but they shape how modern Catholics live their faith. A new saint can become a role model for people facing similar challenges—think of St. Teresa of Calcutta’s work with the poor or St. John Paul II’s influence on youth.
Recent canonizations also show the global reach of the Church. In the past decade, saints from Africa, Asia, and Latin America have been added, reflecting the diversity of today’s Catholic community. This helps believers worldwide see themselves in the stories of holiness.
The miracle requirement can sound mystical, but it serves a practical purpose. The Church investigates each claim thoroughly—medical experts, scientists, and theologians all weigh in. If a cure can’t be explained by modern medicine, it strengthens the case for sainthood.
For everyday Catholics, canonization isn’t just an event on a calendar; it’s a reminder that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary holiness. Many parishes celebrate new saints with special masses, prayer groups, and community projects inspired by the saint’s life.
If you’re curious about how to support a cause for canonization, you can start by gathering documentation of the person’s virtuous acts, writing testimonies, and even promoting any miracles attributed to them. Local dioceses often have guidelines for those interested in starting the process.
In short, canonization is a rigorous yet hopeful journey from humble beginnings to official sainthood. It links past traditions with present realities, giving Catholics worldwide fresh examples of faith in action.
So next time you hear about a new saint being declared, remember it’s more than a headline—it’s the culmination of years of prayer, investigation, and community support that aims to inspire us all.
The Vatican has declared that Blessed Carlo Acutis, along with several others, will become saints. Acutis, who died at 15 from leukemia, was beatified in 2020. His canonization follows a recognized miracle. Additionally, Pope Francis has approved the canonization of other blessed individuals and recognized several miracles and heroic virtues.
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