The Process of Canonization of Saints: Part II

By Susan Northway, Diocesan Director of Religious Education

and

Reverend Langes J. Silva, JCD, STL, Judicial Vicar and Vice-Chancellor

The recent beatification of Pope John Paul II and the opening of the cause for sainthood, on a diocesan level, of Cora Louisa Yorgason Evans, a native of Utah, give us the opportunity to present a summary of the process of canonization according to the current Code of Canon Law and the particular pontifical laws regulating these types of procedures.

Steps to Sainthood

The process, which cannot begin until at least five years after the candidate’s death unless the pope waives that waiting period, involves scrutinizing evidence of their holiness, work and signs that people are drawn to prayer through their example. Prior to the presentation of the cause to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, the diocesan bishop is under the obligation to conduct an investigation in order to establish the merit of the cause, fulfilling the following requirements:

a) consultation with the bishops of his ecclesiastical region;

b) inform the faithful regarding the petition and inviting them to tell what they know about the cause;

c) submit to study the possible writings of the possible servant of God;

d) appoint experts to study writings and other documents related to the cause;

e) request the nihil obstat from the Holy See.

Once the diocesan investigation is completed, and the proper solemnities required by the law have been fulfilled, the acta (entire file) of the process and the evidence collected are forwarded to the Holy See where the following stages take place:

• First stage: Individual is declared a ‘servant of God.’

• Second stage: Individual is called ‘venerable.’

• Third stage (requires a miracle attributed to candidate’s intercession): Beatification, when individual is declared blessed.

• Fourth stage (requires a further authenticated miracle): Candidate is canonized as a saint for veneration by Church.

Part III of this series will detail the stages of the process of canonization.