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.

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.