Saintly Sunday

The feast is a reminder that holiness is a calling for everyone. Being a saint does not mean living without mistakes but responding to God’s grace, seeking forgiveness and growing in love for God and our neighbours.

The process of becoming a saint usually starts at least five years after the person’s death, although the pope can waive this waiting period. A lasting reputation for holiness must exist among people who knew the person or have been inspired by their life.

The local bishop opens an investigation, and the candidate becomes known as a Servant of God. Witnesses are interviewed, writings examined, and evidence gathered about the person’s faith, character and actions. As well as achievements, investigators consider weaknesses and criticisms.

The evidence then goes to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. If the investigation shows the person practised Christian virtues to a heroic degree, the pope authorises their recognition as Venerable.

This means their life demonstrated exceptional faith, hope and love.

For beatification, a miracle credited to the person’s intercession is usually needed. Often this involves a healing that medical experts cannot explain scientifically. Theologians also assess whether the event followed prayers seeking the candidate’s intercession. After beatification, the person is called Blessed, and public veneration is permitted within specified communities or places.

Martyrs, whose deaths are formally recognised as having been suffered for the faith, generally do not need a miracle for beatification. For canonisation, another approved miracle, occurring after beatification, is often required. The pope then formally declares the person a saint, allowing public veneration throughout the Church.

Feature image: St Francis of Assisi, St Mary MacKillop, St Thérèse of Lisieux, St Teresa of Calcutta and St Anthony of Padua holding the baby Jesus.

We encourage you to share and use this material on your own website. However, when using materials from Majellan Media’s website, please include the following in your citation:  Sourced from www.majellan.media