This coming Sunday, September 4, the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta will be officially declared and celebrated by Pope Francis.
Surely, we pray and humbly hope that all those who have died are mercifully judged and have joined the vast company of souls who live in the eternal presence of Almighty God.
Yet, among those who have gone before us in faith, the Church officially declares that particular individuals have lived exemplary lives of Christian witness and do indeed enjoy the eternal state of heavenly bliss. These particular individuals are known as the "canonized saints" of the Church.
The word "canonized" derives from the Greek word "kanon" which refers to a certain standard measure. In the canonization process, the Church officially applies the "standard of holiness of life" to certain individuals who are judge to have given witness to an heroic example of sanctity. This official proclamation is made after a lengthy and involved process.
The custom of canonization began in the early Church. At first, saints were declared by popular acclamation with the Christian faithful interceding with their local bishop to declare this or that person a saint. In the early centuries, local bishops enjoyed this authority.
However, since the 10th Century, the Latin Church has applied a complex and strict process of examination and study in the process of discerning and proclaiming that an individual or groups of individuals are indeed in the company of the angels and saints. Contrary to the misconceptions of some, the Church does not "create" saints, but rather applies the standard of evangelical holiness to those whom God permits us to know are with Him eternally. The primary evidence that the Church considers to affirm the presence of a person in Heaven is to examine the testimony regarding miracles which have taken place as a result of intercessions made to a particular person or group.
On September 12, 1997, the Holy See published the official procedure to be observed in the canonization process. Briefly, the process is as follows.
1) The procedures outlined in the Apostolic Constitution "Divinus Perfectionis Magister", promulgated by Pope St. John Paul II on January 25, 1983 are to be diligently observed.
2) At least 5 years are to have passed since the death of the saintly candidate before any process is initiated. This is to allow greater balance and objectivity in evaluating the case and let the emotions of the moment dissipate.
3) The bishop of the diocese where the candidate died is responsible for beginning the investigation. A "promoter group" consisting of members of the Christian faithful ask the bishop to present a petition to the Holy See. Once the Vatican approves, the diocesan bishop forms a local tribunal at which witnesses are called to offer testimony of the candidate's virtue and the heroic nature of the candidates exercise of that virtue. The testimony is gathered along with other pertinent evidence and presented to the Holy See. At this point, the candidate is referred to as a "Servant of God".
4) This body of evidence is received by the Congregation for Causes of Saints. A postulator prepares a summary which undergoes examination by nine theologians who give their vote. If a majority vote positively, the cause is forwarded to the membership of the Congregation for further study. If the Congregation judges favorably, the cause is presented to the Holy Father who gives his approval and authorized the Congregation to draft the decree of such.
5) One often here's the term that a particular individual or group has been "beatified". This means that in the process of examination, a miracle attributed to the candidate after his death has been proven by exhaustive examination of recognized experts. A decree of proof is joined to the Papal theological decree and again forwarded to the Pope who then declares the candidate "beatified". Sometimes, the interval between a declaration of beatification can be brief. Sometimes, it can last centuries. Sometimes, a cause never advances past this declaration.
6) For canonization to be declared, another proven miracle is necessary. The investigation of this additional miracle follows the same methodology as the first, including the issuing of a decree of proof. The final body of evidence is then presented to the Pope for his discernment and pronouncement that this person is indeed a "Saint" who lives in the eternal company of the Divine Godhead.
The declaration that a particular individual or group is or are Saints is an exercise of the Papal charism of infallibility, that is, the Christian faithful are bound to give their assent of belief that this person or group of individuals are indeed eternally joined with Almighty God and deserve our respect and admiration.
It is noteworthy that Pope Benedict XVI waived the 5 year waiting period and allowed the canonization process to begin immediately for Pope St. John Paul II.
As Supreme Head of the Church, any Pope has the authority to make exceptions to this process which the Church uses to determine those who live in God's presence and who will be honored by the Body of Christ until the end of time.
Certainly, in her lifetime, Mother Teresa's example of humility and service inspired millions of people. Now she is proclaimed a Saint and until Christ Himself comes again, her name and example will be remembered and be a continuing source of inspiration to the millions of Christian souls who succeed her in life and, please God, will one day join her forever in Heaven.
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