Saints and Canonization

Flashcards about the canonization process in the Catholic Church.

Canonization

The process the Catholic Church uses to officially declare someone a saint—a person who lived an especially holy life and is now in heaven.

Servant of God

Title given when a person's cause for sainthood is opened by the Church.

Venerable

Title given after an in depth investigation of the person’s life reveals heroic virtue - lived like Jesus taught us

Heroic Virtue

The person lived their life with great faith, hope, love, courage, kindness, and self-control, even when it was hard.

Blessed

Title given after a miracle occurs through person’s intercession is verified. Or the person was a Martyr.

Miracle

Something science can’t explain, like someone being suddenly healed after prayers.

Saint

Title given after a second miracle is verified and Pope declares person a saintly example. Or 1 miracle for a Martyr.

Relics

Physical objects associated with saints or Jesus Christ, venerated for their connection to holiness.

First-class relic

Actual parts of a saint’s body (e.g., bones, blood, hair).

Second-class relics

Items the saint used or wore (e.g., clothing, rosaries).

Third-class relics

Objects touched to a first- or second-class relic (e.g., cloths).

Communion of Saints

Refers to the family of God. We are all called to live the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ daily in our lives. We are also called to recognize the holiness in others.

Carlo Acutis

Millennial who loved Jesus, computers, and the Eucharist; soon to be a saint