Beatify

Beatification

Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a deceased person's entrance into heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in their name. Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process and requires evidence of a miracle attributed to the intercession of the person in question.

Process

The process of beatification begins at the diocesan level, where a thorough investigation into the life and virtues of the candidate is conducted. This includes the collection of documents, testimonies, and other relevant materials. The findings are then sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, where further examination takes place.

Stages

1. Servant of God: The title given to a candidate when the cause is officially opened.
2. Venerable: A declaration by the Pope that the candidate lived a life of heroic virtue.
3. Blessed: The candidate is beatified after a miracle is attributed to their intercession.
4. Saint: The final stage, canonization, requires a second miracle and results in the candidate being declared a saint.

Miracles

A miracle is typically required for beatification, which must be verified by a panel of medical experts and theologians. The miracle is usually a healing that cannot be explained by natural or scientific means.

Significance

Beatification allows for public veneration of the individual within a specific region or community. It is a significant step towards canonization, which permits universal veneration.

Notable Beatifications

Some notable individuals who have been beatified include:

• Mother Teresa
• Pope John Paul II
• Oscar Romero

Related Pages

• Canonization
• Congregation for the Causes of Saints
• Miracle
• Pope
• Catholic Church