The canonization process

“Canonization” is the process by which someone becomes a saint. The “canonization process” is a long, arduous investigation into the life and virtues of someone who is thought to have lived a saintly life. It begins in the diocese where the person died and eventually winds its way to the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Many people are involved in the canonization process – people who knew the candidate, theologians, doctors, bishops and cardinals, and finally the Pope himself. During the first phase of the process, a person being considered for canonization is referred to as a “Servant of God.”

The first step on the path to sainthood is the determination – through a study of his/her life and writings and the testimony of witnesses – that the Servant of God practiced heroic virtue. At this point he or she is referred to as “Venerable.” To advance to beatification, a miracle is needed (unless the person was a martyr; Martyrs do not require miracles!).

What is it about miracles? Pope Benedict himself gives us the answer: “As well as reassuring us that the Servant of God lives in Heaven in communion with God, miracles constitute the divine confirmation of the judgment expressed by the ecclesial authority on his/her virtuous life.” http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2006/documents

A possible miracle is studied by a panel of theologians, doctors and clergy. If it is accepted, the Servant of God may be beatified. He or she is then given the title “Blessed.”

A second proven miracle is required for canonization, the final step in the process. Once this is approved, the Pope signs the decree of canonization and assigns a date for the ceremony. Although beatifications often take place in the Blessed’s native country, canonizations are held in Rome in the presence of the Pope. Once canonized, the Blessed acquires the title of Saint and may be venerated by the Universal Church. (for a detailed article on the canonization process see
http://www.catholic-pages.com/saints/process.asp

Why sainthood?
The saints have been called the Church’s most eloquent sign and her sweetest fruit. On numerous occasions our Holy Father has emphasized what a gift the saints are to us:

• Looking at our many brothers and sisters who in every age have made themselves a total offering to God for his Kingdom, ecclesial communities are prompted to take note of the need, also in our time, for witnesses who can incarnate the perennial truth of the Gospel in the concrete circumstances of life, making them a means of salvation for the whole world…
• We can open ourselves and the world and allow God to enter: we can open ourselves to truth, to love, to what is good. This is what the Saints did, those who, as God’s fellow workers, contributed to the world’s salvation…
• In recent decades there has been an increase in religious and cultural interest in the champions of Christian holiness who show the true face of the Church, bride of Christ “without spot or wrinkle” (cf. Eph 5: 27).… Saints help to make the word of the Gospel and the mission of the Church more credible and attractive…
• Contact with them paves the way to true spiritual resurrection, to lasting conversions and to the blossoming of new Saints. Saints normally bring forth other Saints and closeness to them, or even only to their footsteps, is always salutary: it cleanses and raises the mind and opens the heart to love for God and for the brethren. Holiness sows joy and hope, and responds to the thirst for happiness that people also feel today.

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2007/december/documents

Jeanne Jugan’s path to sainthood

1879	Jeanne Jugan dies in obscurity at the motherhouse on August 29, 1879.
late 1890s	Mother General Augustine de St. André commissions Rev. Arsène Leroy, the motherhouse chaplain, to research the Congregation’s archives with the goal of “discovering and revealing the truth” about Jeanne Jugan.
1902	Rev. Leroy’s History of the Little Sisters of the Poor is published, establishing the truth about the Congregation’s beginnings and reinstating Jeanne Jugan as foundress.
early 1900s	The Sisters at the motherhouse who knew Jeanne Jugan are asked to record their memories of her.
1935	Opening of the diocesan investigation “on the reputation for holiness” of Jeanne Jugan. During the 1930s Little Sisters all over the world who had known Jeanne Jugan in their youth are asked to send their remembrances of her to Mother General. Click here for testimonials from those who knew her.
1970	The cause for Beatification is introduced in Rome on July 10th.
1970–1976	Study of our foundress’ life by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints; preparation of the Positio, official presentation of her life and virtues.
1979	The centenary of Jeanne Jugan’s death is celebrated throughout the Congregation. On July 13th Pope John Paul II proclaims the “heroicity of the virtues” of Jeanne Jugan and declares her “Venerable.”
1982	The “medically inexplicable” and sudden cure of Mr. Antoine Schlatter, a Resident of our home in Toulon, France, is recognized as the miracle necessary for the beatification of our Mother. The decree recognizing the miracle is signed on May 11th. On October 3rd Jeanne Jugan is beatified by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
2002	In early March the superior of our home in Kansas City, Missouri (USA) is contacted by Mrs Jeanne Gatz of Omaha, Nebraska, who informs her that her husband was cured of cancer through the intercession of Jeanne Jugan in 1989. An investigation into this cure is begun.
2005	At the end of September a diocesan Tribunal takes place in Omaha, Nebraska, to gather evidence on the cure of Dr. Edward Gatz.
2008	On December 6th Pope Benedict signs the decree approving the miraculous cure of Dr. Edward Gatz through the intercession of Blessed Jeanne Jugan, clearing the way for her canonization. The Miracle (pdf)
2009	The Vatican consistory announcing the date for the canonization is held on February 21st – Jeanne Jugan will be canonized on October 11, 2009, along with Blessed Damien of Molokai and three other Blesseds!