02/07/2025
DISCOVER HOW THE CHURCH RECOGNIZES SAINTS
Catholics Online Class
Once upon a time, a holy man died.
He wasn’t canonized by trending hashtags. He didn’t glow in the dark. He simply lived, heroically, faithfully, quietly.
And then, after he passed, something strange began to happen.
People whispered his name in prayer. They lit candles beside his photograph. Sick people claimed to be healed. Others, once broken, testified they were lifted, by his intercession.
And the Church began to wonder: Could he or she be with God? Could he be a saint?
But the Church does not canonize out of emotion. She discerns, carefully, rigorously, because to declare someone a Saint is to say infallibly: This soul is with God in heaven, and worthy of imitation and public veneration everywhere on earth.
Here’s how it all unfolds…
1. FIVE YEARS OF SILENCE
The Church waits. Not for gossip to fade, but for truth to ripen.
Ordinarily, no process begins until five years after death, to ensure the person’s holiness is not hype, but lasting. This waiting period can be waived by the Pope, as it was for St. Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II.
2. SERVANT OF GOD
If the faithful still believe this person lived a life of heroic virtue, a local bishop petitions Rome to open a cause.
Rome responds: Nihil obstat, “Nothing stands in the way.”
The person is now called “Servant of God.”
A diocesan tribunal is formed. Witnesses are called. Writings are examined. Diaries, emails, even grocery lists, anything that shows the soul behind the saint.
If this local investigation is positive, the whole case is sent to Rome, to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.
3. VENERABLE
Now in Rome, a team of theologians, historians, and cardinals studies the Positio, a powerful dossier of the person’s life.
If they vote yes, and the Pope agrees, the person is declared Venerable.
This means: We have not yet confirmed they’re in heaven, but they lived heroically on earth.
Still, that’s not enough for beatification. The Church wants a sign.
4. THE FIRST MIRACLE
A miracle must occur, after the person’s death, and through their intercession alone.
Usually, it’s a healing the doctors can’t explain. The Church gathers medical experts and theologians who have no personal stake in the cause.
If doctors say, “Science has no explanation,” and theologians say, “This came through the prayers of the Venerable alone,” the miracle is approved.
Now the Pope issues a Decree of a Miracle.
5. BLESSED
With this, the Pope may beatify the person: they are now Blessed.
This means the Church believes the soul is in heaven, and public veneration is allowed, but only in certain dioceses, countries, or religious orders.
It’s like saying: “We’re almost sure, but not yet for the whole Church.”
Unless, of course, the person was martyred. Then, no miracle is needed. Dying for Christ is the ultimate witness.
6. THE SECOND MIRACLE
Now, one more sign is needed for canonization.
The Church seeks a second miracle, again post-beatification, and again with rigorous scrutiny.
If another healing occurs, and passes both scientific and theological tests, the stage is set.
7. SAINT
The Pope declares the person a Saint.
This isn’t a promotion. It’s a confirmation, guided by the Holy Spirit, infallibly declared.
Now, the whole Church, from Rome to Rwanda, from Boston to Benin, can call on this soul in the liturgy, teach their life in catechism, and place their image on altars.
