What is Canonization?

What are the steps?

How is a miracle defined?

Father Baker's Progress

Historical Significance

What does the future hold?

What are the steps?

The canonization process dates back to the 10th century. Contrary to popular belief, the Church does not "create" saints, but simply applies a standard of holiness to certain individuals who lived "exemplary" lives.

The "Road to Sainthood" consists of three distinct steps:

1. Servant of God ("Venerable")
2. Beatification ("Blessed")
3. Canonization ("Saint")

Servant of God

This stage requires that a candidate lived a life beyond reproach - exhibiting a high level of faith and morals from start to finish.

To reach this stage, the Vatican reviews the candidate's life in depth: accomplishments, acquaintances, his/her writings, etc.

Beatification

Beatification requires recognition by the Church of a miracle ("extraordinary event") that occurs through the intercession of the Servant of God by the faithful.

Recognition by the Church involves: a thorough deposition of all witnesses, examination by medical specialists, assessments by theologians and the approval of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Canonization

Canonization requires the recognition by the Church of a miracle that has occurred after Beatification, and is examined in the same way.