Perhaps this entry would be more appropriately titled, “Recognizing A Saint” instead of “Becoming” one. To become a saint, one follows Christ. And the more closely one follows, and the more one is able to continually say “yes” to God at each juncture, the closer one is to becoming a saint.
But how is a person officially recognized as a saint? Most of us have probably had the amazing opportunity of meeting someone who is truly holy. It could be an elderly neighbor, a teacher, or a self-less volunteer. We recognize God’s presence in their midst. We feel graced by having spent time with them. We know that others, too, benefit from time spent with them.
In order to help others learn about truly holy people, the Catholic Church has a process for recognizing saints. A background paper created by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Making Saints, gives a clear explanation of the process.
There are three levels of sainthood. First, the candidate is named Venerable, then Blessed, and then finally a Saint. “Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived heroic virtues. To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate’s intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or martyrdom. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification, though a pope may waive these requirements.” The process is rigorous and involves a very detailed examination of the person’s life and also the effect of that person on others.
Why go through such a rigorous process? Why does the Catholic Church even bother to officially designate people as saints? What difference does it make to us to know who is officially a saint?
The answers have a lot to do with our own journey through life. Saints are fellow pilgrims. Although they may have a died a long time ago, they can be companions for us, showing us the way.
It’s easy to imagine that they all led perfect lives. But the truth is usually far from it. Most led very ordinary lives, with lots of ups and downs. They made mistakes and, like St. Paul before his conversion, sometimes purposely took the wrong path, going further away from God. Yet at some point, they truly opened their hearts to God and the rest is history. These are people to emulate, to understand, and even to commiserate with during challenging times on our faith journey.
Many fascinating books on individual saints are available. Some talk about the saints’ lives; others help us to pray with the saint. One new book that delightfully shows how saints can both guide us and challenge us is My Life With The Saints.
Posted by APWeb 
