How To Become A Saint: The Process And Requirements

How To Become A Saint

The process of becoming a saint, within the Roman Catholic Church, is a long and rigorous one that serves to recognize and honor individuals who have led lives of exceptional holiness and virtue. This article will delve into the specific requirements and steps involved in the canonization process.

1. Background

Before diving into the requirements, it’s essential to note that not everyone can be canonized as a saint. The process is reserved for people who have lived lives of profound faith, service, and often, sacrifice. Over centuries, the Church has developed strict procedures to ensure that only truly deserving individuals receive this honor.

2. The Process

a. Waiting Period:

Traditionally, there’s a five-year waiting period after a person’s death before the cause for their sainthood can be opened. However, this can be waived by the Pope, as seen in the cases of Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II.

b. Servant of God:

The first official step begins when the local bishop opens an investigation into the life of the deceased person, who is then called a “Servant of God.”

c. Venerable:

If, after rigorous investigation, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints finds that the person lived a life of “heroic virtue,” they’re declared “Venerable.”

d. Blessed:

For beatification (the step before canonization), a miracle attributed to the person’s intercession is required (unless the individual died a martyr, in which case this step can be bypassed). When beatified, the person is called “Blessed.”

e. Saint:

For canonization, a second miracle is typically required. Once confirmed, the Pope can declare the individual a saint.

3. Requirements for Sainthood

a. Live a Life of Heroic Virtue

The Church looks for evidence of Christian virtues lived out in an extraordinary manner. These virtues include faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

b. Miracles:

Miracles serve as divine confirmation of the candidate’s sanctity. These miracles, often medical in nature, must be instantaneous, lasting, and inexplicable by scientific means.

c. Martyrdom:

Dying for one’s faith is considered an ultimate testament to one’s love for Christ. Martyrs can be beatified without a miracle.

d. A Reputation for Holiness:

The candidate must have a widespread reputation for holiness that persists after their death. This reputation is a vital sign of their enduring impact and spiritual significance.

4. Investigation

The Church conducts thorough investigations at various stages of the canonization process.

This includes:

- Gathering of writings, speeches, and other documents associated with the person.
- Interviews with witnesses who knew the person.
- Examination of the person’s life, virtues, and any alleged miracles.
- Scrutiny by theologians and panels of experts.

5. Advocatus Diaboli or “Devil’s Advocate”

Historically, a person was appointed to argue against the canonization, presenting a skeptical view of the candidate’s virtues and miracles. This role ensured that the process was comprehensive and objective.

Becoming a saint in the Roman Catholic Church is not about popularity or fame; it’s a recognition of a life lived with profound holiness and devotion to God. The stringent requirements and the detailed process ensure that those who are canonized truly represent models of Christian virtue for the faithful to emulate.

10 Incredible Secrets About Archangel Michael That Will Blow Your Mind

1. Michael is Called a “Prince” and a Defender of God’s People

Fact: Michael is explicitly called one of the chief princes in heaven, tasked with protecting Israel.
Verse: “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people.” (Daniel 12:1)

2. Michael Leads Heaven’s Army Against Satan

Fact: Michael is depicted as the leader of God’s army in a cosmic battle against Satan and his angels.
Verse: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels.” (Revelation 12:7)

3. Michael Directly Confronted Satan Over Moses’ Body

Fact: Michael contended with Satan over the body of Moses, although the exact reasons are mysterious.
Verse: “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” (Jude 1:9)

4. Michael Will Play a Key Role in the End Times

Fact: Michael’s appearance is tied to the final judgment and the deliverance of God’s people in the end times.
Verse: “At that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation.” (Daniel 12:1)

5. Michael is the Only Angel Explicitly Called an “Archangel”

Fact: Though other angels like Gabriel are mentioned, Michael is the only one explicitly given the title “archangel.”
Verse: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

6. Michael is a Warrior, Not a Messenger

Fact: Unlike Gabriel, who delivers messages, Michael’s role is primarily as a warrior and protector.
Verse: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.” (Revelation 12:7)

7. Michael’s Name Means “Who is Like God?”

Fact: The name “Michael” comes from the Hebrew Mīkhā’ēl, meaning “Who is like God?”—a rhetorical question affirming God’s supremacy.
Verse: While this is etymological, it ties into his role in defending God’s glory (Daniel 10:13).

8. Michael Helps Deliver Answers to Prayers

Fact: Michael assisted another angel in delivering a message to Daniel after encountering resistance from a demonic power.
Verse: “But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.” (Daniel 10:13)

9. Michael is Seen as Israel’s Guardian Angel

Fact: Michael is uniquely associated with protecting the people of Israel throughout Scripture.
Verse: “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people.” (Daniel 12:1)

10. Michael’s Defeat of Satan is Symbolic of the Church’s Triumph

Fact: Michael’s victory over Satan in heaven is seen as symbolic of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Verse: “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11, tied to Michael’s victory in Revelation 12:7)

What Do The Angels From The Bible Actually Look Like?

By Matthaeus (Matthäus) Merian (1593–1650), Public Domain

What Do The Angels From The Bible Actually Look Like?

When one thinks of angels, the image that often comes to mind is that of a beautiful human-like being with wings, often clad in white robes, and emitting a soft, heavenly glow. This portrayal of angels is widespread, thanks to art, literature, and popular media. But is this depiction accurate according to the Bible? Let’s dive into the ancient scriptures to unveil the biblical portrayal of these celestial beings.

Seraphim: Fiery Beings with Six Wings

Found in the book of Isaiah, the Seraphim are some of the most vividly described angels. The name ‘Seraphim’ is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “to burn”. Isaiah 6:2-3 describes them as having six wings: two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two for flying. They are found near God’s throne, singing praises: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts.”

Cherubim: Multi-faced Protectors

Cherubim are depicted in several places in the Old Testament. They’re best known for guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve’s expulsion. In the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 10:14), they are described as having four faces: that of a cherub, a human, a lion, and an eagle. Contrary to the chubby baby-like portrayal in Renaissance art, biblical Cherubim are fierce and powerful.

Archangels: Messengers and Leaders

Michael and Gabriel are the most known archangels from the Bible. While their physical appearances aren’t described in great detail, their roles are quite significant. Michael is often considered a warrior angel, leading God’s armies against the forces of evil, while Gabriel is a messenger, delivering crucial announcements to figures like Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Ordinary Angels: Mysterious and Varied

Many angels in the Bible appear in human form. The three angels who visited Abraham in Genesis 18, or the angel who wrestled with Jacob in Genesis 32, looked so ordinary that they were initially mistaken for humans. Yet, their actions and the reactions of those who encountered them made it evident they were otherworldly.

Wheels Within Wheels: The Ophanim

Ezekiel’s description of angels also includes the Ophanim, often interpreted as “wheels”. These angels appear as interlocking wheels covered in eyes, always moving and never turning. As guardians of God’s throne, their appearance is perhaps the most alien and hardest to comprehend.

There Are Drastically Different Looking Angels

While popular culture often gives a homogenized and sanitized image of angels, the Bible portrays a vast and varied celestial hierarchy, from the human-like to the utterly incomprehensible. These depictions remind us of the majesty and mystery of the divine, emphasizing that the heavenly realm is far more complex and awe-inspiring than we might imagine. Whether we envision them as ethereal humanoids or fiery beings with multiple wings, angels in the Bible serve as messengers, protectors, and instruments of God’s will, always pointing us back to the divine narrative of faith, hope, and salvation.

Timeline of Main Events

Creation of Angels: Angels are created by God as spiritual beings (No specific time mentioned, but implied to be before Genesis 3:24).
Guarding of the Garden of Eden: Cherubim are stationed at the entrance of the Garden of Eden after the expulsion of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:24).
Vision of Cherubim: Ezekiel has a vision of the Cherubim with their four faces, four wings and unique physical description (Ezekiel 1:4-11).
Isaiah’s Vision of Seraphim: Isaiah has a vision of the seraphim in God’s throne room, with their six wings and cries of “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:1-7).
Angels Visit Abraham: Three human-like angels visit Abraham (Genesis 18:1-8).
Daniel’s Vision of an Angel: Daniel has a vision of an angel with striking physical characteristics (Daniel 10:5-6).
Vision of the Living Creatures: John has a vision of the Living Creatures in Revelation, with six wings and faces similar to the Cherubim (Revelation 4:6-8)
Development of Angelic Hierarchies: Medieval theologians, such as Thomas Aquinas, categorize angels into hierarchies (post-biblical).
Artistic Interpretations of Angels: Renaissance artists depict angels as winged, humanoid beings (post-biblical).

What Exactly Is A Religious Miracle? 7 Defining Characteristics

What is a Miracle? Exploring 7 Defining Characteristics

Miracles have long captured human fascination. Often described as unexplainable by natural or scientific laws, these extraordinary events are said to manifest a divine intervention in human affairs. But what truly defines a miracle? These are the seven core characteristics that encompass this age-old concept.

1. Supernatural Origin

The foremost feature of a miracle is its divine source. Miracles are believed to stem from a power higher than humankind, whether one perceives that as God, the Universe, or another transcendent force.

2. Violation of Natural Laws

Miracles often defy what we understand as the laws of nature or physics. For instance, the biblical parting of the Red Sea or turning water into wine are actions that go against the known workings of the world.

3. Purposeful Intent

Miracles aren’t random; they carry a specific purpose. Whether it’s to provide guidance, deliver a message, or affirm faith, these events are intentional in their occurrence.

4. Positive Outcome

Miracles, by nature, bring about beneficial outcomes. They serve to heal, protect, guide, or provide for those who experience or witness them. Their effects are constructive, both physically and spiritually.

5. Elicits Awe and Wonder

A genuine miracle evokes a sense of awe and wonder in those who experience it. It’s a profound event that leaves an indelible mark on one’s psyche, often strengthening or initiating faith.

6. Rare and Unique

Miracles are not everyday occurrences. Their rarity is what sets them apart from regular phenomena, making them special and noteworthy.

7. Beyond Human Capability

One of the easiest ways to recognize a miracle is when the event or its outcome is beyond human capability. When human effort fails, and a seemingly impossible situation is suddenly resolved, a miracle is often credited.

Religious Miracles Can Happen Anywhere

The concept of miracles transcends cultures, religions, and eras. They’re a testament to the belief in a power greater than ourselves. By understanding these seven defining characteristics, we can better appreciate, recognize, and cherish the miraculous moments in our lives.

Remember to experience the wonder of the world around you, for even in the smallest moments, the essence of a miracle might just be waiting to unfold.