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Roman Catholic Church -

The practice of canonization was introduced in the Catholic Church in 1234. The process  detailed specific criteria that had to be met for one to be declared a saint by the Church. This process has been revised over the years.

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Before the formal process -

Before the formal process was introduced by the Church, saints would be mostly declared based on popularity, rather than by following a specific set of rules. As such, the exact number of saints is unknown.

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How many people have been canonized? -

The process of canonization changed this. And while exact numbers remain unknown, it is estimated that, to date, the Catholic Church has canonized around 3,000 people.

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Who can become a saint? -

Anyone can become a saint in the Catholic Church. Though the person must meet the criteria set by the Church, which includes being dead.

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How long after death can one be eligible for sainthood? -

The process of canonization usually requires the person to be dead for at least five years. There are, however, exceptions to this. An example would be Mother Teresa, who became eligible two years after her death.

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The process of canonization -

The process of canonization is divided into five steps. Let’s take a look at these now.

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Step 1: Be dead -

As mentioned previously, a person must be dead for at least five years (though also as previously mentioned, there are exceptions).

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Step 1: Be dead -

There is, however, no limit for how long one must be dead before being declared a saint. Saint Bede, for example, died in 735, but it was not until 1,164 years later that he was declared a saint.

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Step 2: Servant of God -

The process of canonization begins with an investigation at the diocese level. First, it must be determined if the person was a servant of God.

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Step 2: Servant of God -

A formal request containing information about the person's life and deeds and witness testimonies is then sent to a Vatican tribunal by the local bishop.

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Step 2: Servant of God -

The Vatican then examines the evidence provided and determines whether the candidate has lived a life of holiness, pureness, kindness, and devotion. If all criteria is met, the person is declared a “servant of God.”

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Step 3: Heroic virtue -

The report is then sent to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. This consists of a panel of theologians, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, who will then scrutinize the evidence presented.

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Step 3: Heroic virtue -

For the person to be eligible for the next step, he/she must be found to possess four cardinal virtues and three theological virtues.

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Step 3: Heroic virtue -

The cardinal virtues are: prudence, justice, temperance, and courage.

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Step 3: Heroic virtue -

In order to be declared of heroic virtue, the person must also possess the theological virtues: faith, hope and charity.

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Step 4: Beatification -

Beatification is the next step, after the pope has proclaimed that the person is “venerable.” For beatification to occur, a miracle must be attributed to the person posthumously. This miracle(s) must, however, be investigated by the Church.

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Step 4: Beatification -

After a miracle has been investigated and verified by the Vatican, beatification occurs and the candidate is given the title "blessed."

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Step 4: Miracles -

Miracles can differ in their nature, including healings, liquefaction, incorruptibility, and odor of sanctity.

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Step 4: Healings -

This type of miracle can be directly attributed to the saint’s intervention or to the healing through contact with objects belonging to the saint.

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Step 4: Liquefaction -

This is when that body (or body part) of the saint liquefies at a specific date (e.g. during the anniversary of his/her death). A famous example includes the blood of Saint Januarius.

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Step 4: Incorruptibility -

This is when the corpse, or body parts, of the saint miraculously never decay.

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Step 4: Odor of sanctity -

Unlike the unpleasant odors expelled by regular corpses, these saints expel a sweet odor.

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Step 4: Other miracles -

Though not required for sainthood to be attributed, miracles performed during the person’s lifetime can also be taken into consideration. These include stigmata (displaying wounds of Christ’s crucifixion), levitation (the person was able to levitate in the air), and bilocation (be present in different locations at the same time).

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Step 4: Martyrs -

Though there is one exception when it comes to beatification: martyrs. If the candidate has suffered death or persecution due to their faith, the person is beatified and named “blessed.”

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Step 5: Canonization -

Before declaring that the person is indeed a saint, a second miracle must be verified. This one is usually attributed to prayers made to the beatified person.

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Step 5: Canonization -

Similar to step 4, martyrs only need one verified miracle in order to be canonized. A formal papal decree is then issued confirming the sainthood of the person.

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After canonization -

Once a person has been declared a saint, their name is added to the Church’s catalogue of saints and he/she can be worshipped.

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After canonization -

Churches may be dedicated specifically to the saint and masses can be offered in his/her honor.

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After canonization -

Images of the saint can be reproduced, featuring a halo, and feast days can be held in the saint’s memory.

Sources: (BBC) (Al Jazeera) (Catholic Education Resource Center) (HowStuffWorks)

See also: The most disturbing things saints have done

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