TELL ME ABOUT SAINTS

We Are All Called to Sainthood through the waters of our Baptism Jesus is our model We are all called to follow

his example of love and service

Saints are people, honored by the Catholic Church, who lived lives of extraordinary, or heroic virtueThey may have many admirers!

Those Who Have Led a Good and Holy Life On Earth… …And go to be with God in Heaven Those who are admired by many Those who are seen as heroes and

heroines of the faith Those who are asked by the living

to intercede with God in our behalfThese People are Often Given the

Special Title of Saint

The Church Listens to Those Asking for Their Holy Role

Model to be Given The Honor of Sainthood

The process begins by looking at the life of the person to be considered for sainthood

The Process of Canonization

The Process of Making a Saint is called“Canonization”

1. The local bishop investigates the candidate's life and writings for evidence

of heroic virtue 2. If he finds the person a worthy

candidate, he will give him/her the title ofServant of God

The Panel Evaluates… 3. The information uncovered by the bishop is sent to the

Vatican

4. A panel of theologians (people who study about God) and cardinals (bishops who advise the Pope) of the Congregation for Cause of Saints evaluate the candidate's life

Title of Venerable5. If the panel approves the cause,

the Pope proclaims that the candidate is Venerable,

which means that the person is a role model of Catholic virtues

Beatification 6. The next step toward sainthood is

Beatification• this allows a person to be honored by a particular

group or region• In order to beatify a candidate, it must be shown that

the person is responsible for a miracle after death• For Example: On Oct. 20, 2003, Mother Teresa was

beatified, she is now known asBlessed Teresa of Calcutta

• Martyrs -- those who died for their religious cause -- can be beatified without evidence of a miracle

What is a Miracle? A Miracle is a surprising and

welcome event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of God

Miracles can be performed by God directly or through the prayers and intercession of the Saint or through the intercession of those candidates being considered for Sainthood

The Church Declares A Saint!

In order for the candidate to be considered a Saint, there must be proof of a second after death miracle

If there is a second miracle, it must be verified by the Vatican. Only then, can the person be proclaimed a Saint

The Next two Candidates for Sainthood this year are two Popes

Do you know who they are?

"How does Someone Become a Saint?"  20 April 2001.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://people.howstuffworks.com/question619.htm>  21 October 2013.

Do you know these saints? Can you identify them?

St. Faustina St. Kateri Tekakwitha St. Francis St. Therese St. Nicholas St. Paul

Example