|
|
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 |
Jeanne Jugan is canonized a saint by
Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009, in St. Peter Basilica,
Vatican City. A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Cardinal
Justin Rigali on Sunday, October 25, 2009, at the Basilica
of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. |
back to top
The Process | The
Miracle | Beautification Memories | Celebrations | News | LSP
Publiations |
Testimonials | Media
Kit
|
|
