Area: CIN Ask Father Q/A ONLY E00/501 Msg 783
From: Father Mateo 28th March 1995
To: cinaskf@catinfo.cts.com
Subject: making Saints
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| What is the process through which the saints are chosen?
Dear Steve,
The long process by which a Saint becomes known and officially
approved by the Church, and so presented to Christians for our
veneration and invocation, begins with the work of God, who after
a holy person's death stirs in the hearts of believers a
spontaneous devotion and enthusiasm toward the servant of God.
As God makes saints, so does he make them known to us because he
wants the Saints in heaven to play a role in our salvation
(Hebrews 12:1-2).
The growth of such a reputation for holiness is the first and
necessary step in the process of approving a saint. Aware of a
potential candidate's reputation for holiness, the bishop of the
place then consults neighboring bishops about the value of seeking
official recognition for the servant of God. He then appoints
officials to investigate the life, virtues, and/or martyrdom of
the candidate.
These investigators question eyewitnesses and study the life of
the candidate with the help of scholars trained in historical
methodology. They also appoint readers to collect, read, and
evaluate the candidate's writings with respect to their orthodoxy
of doctrine.
When all these materials are collected, the local bishop sends
them to Rome, where they undergo a "security check" by relevant
Vatican congregations. If every thing seems in order, the Holy
See grants permission to proceed with the cause at the Roman
level. This granted permission confers a title on the candidate,
who is henceforth called "Venerable" or "Servant of God".
Now the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints enters the
picture. The main work of this group of Cardinals and consulters
is to produce a book about the candidate, a written text telling
of the Servant of God's life story. It will include proof of
martyrdom (where this has occurred) and of heroic virtues
practiced throughout life and until death by the Servant of God.
The completed work (called a "positio") is studied by consulting
experts from many fields, examined by a panel of eight theologians,
and, if approved by six or more of these, is given to a board of
Cardinals and bishops.
If these latter approve, the cause goes to the Pope for his
decision. The elevation to sainthood is two-tiered. Candidates
may be beatified (with the title "Blessed"); then, perhaps after
many years, even centuries, canonized (with the title "Saint").
No medically attested miracle is required for the beatification of
a martyr. For the beatification of a non-martyr, one such
miracle is required, and one more miracle is required for
canonization.
For fuller information, see Kenneth L. Woodward's 1991 book,
"Making Saints" (Touchstone Books, ISBN 0-671-74743-6).
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit -
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