Beatifying and canonizing

Question

What is the difference between "beatifying" and "canonizing" ?  Do the both mean "granting sainthood" ?

MrPedantic · Accepted Answer

I believe that beatification means you're known as 'Blessed'; whereas canonization means you're a 'Saint'.

Sainthood outranks Blessedness.

MrP

Hbae787 · Answer

Thank you MrP.  Makes a lot of sense.

Pieanne · Answer

Isn't there a ... uh...scale?hierarchy?  in that matter? First you are ...-ed, then you get to be ...-ed?

MrPedantic · Answer

Hello Pieanne

I think so, yes: beatification has to precede canonization.

I believe you have to do something intercessionarily miraculous to become a Blessed, and then again to make Sainthood. But I'm not altogether sure.

With luck, a passing beatification buff will be able to offer guidance.

(Not that I'm planning a sudden career change.)

MrP

Pieanne · Answer

I believe you have to do something intercessionarily miraculous to become a Blessed

OR to be thought you have done that...

You're quite right, MrP, don't switch careers... I would be sorry not to find you here anymore...

Hbae787 · Answer

OK guys.
I found this on a Catholic FAQs page online.

"Canonization, the process the Church uses to name a saint, has only been used since the tenth century. For hundreds of years, starting with the first martyrs of the early Church, saints were chosen by public acclaim. Though this was a more democratic way to recognize saints, some saints' stories were distorted by legend and some never existed. Gradually, the bishops and finally the Vatican took over authority for approving saints.

In 1983, Pope John Paul II made sweeping changes in the canonization procedure. The process begins after the death of a Catholic whom people regard as holy. Often, the process starts many years after death in order give perspective on the candidate. The local bishop investigates the candidate's life and writings for heroic virtue (or martyrdom) and orthodoxy of doctrine. Then a panel of theologians at the Vatican evaluates the candidate. After approval by the panel and cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the pope proclaims the candidate "venerable."

The next step, beatification, requires evidence of one miracle (except in the case of martyrs). Since miracles are considered proof that the person is in heaven and can intercede for us, the miracle must take place after the candidate's death and as a result of a specific petition to the candidate. When the pope proclaims the candidate beatified or "blessed," the person can be venerated by a particular region or group of people with whom the person holds special importance.

Only after one more miracle will the pope canonize the saint (this includes martyrs as well). The title of saint tells us that the person lived a holy life, is in heaven, and is to be honored by the universal Church. Canonization does not "make" a person a saint; it recognizes what *** has already done.

Though canonization is infallible and irrevocable, it takes a long time and a lot of effort. So while every person who is canonized is a saint, not every holy person has been canonized. You have probably known many "saints" in your life, and you are called by *** to be one yourself."

Beatifying and canonizing

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions