Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article

To: Pan_Yans Wife
One Catholic posted that miracles are not necessary if one is "martyred". Now, I've always understood "martyrdom" to involve dying for one's faith, so I'm not sure how that would apply in her case.

Anyway, did she really live a life of exceptional virtue? I don't know, although her bulimia might under normal circumstances count against her. But these aren't normal circumstances.

I'll ask some Catholic friends of mine for their input.

3,500 posted on 03/31/2005 6:16:00 PM PST by malakhi
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3499 | View Replies ]


To: malakhi

I'm Catholic, but I checked for the latest requirements - here they are:

Canonization is the process the Catholic Church uses to name a saint.

The process begins after the death of a Catholic whom people regard as holy.

The local bishop investigates the candidate's life and writings
for heroic virtue or martyrdom.

A panel of theologians at the Vatican evaluates the candidate.

After approval, the Pope proclaims the candidate 'venerable'.

The next step is beatification.

This requires evidence of one miracle (except in the case of martyrs).

Since the Catholic Church considers miracles to be proof
that the person is "in heaven" and can intercede for the faithful,
the miracle must take place after the candidate's death
and as a result of a specific petition to the candidate.

Only after one more miracle will the pope canonize the saint.

For the Catholic Church, the title of saint means
that the person lived a holy life, is "in heaven,"
and is to be honored by the universal Church.

Canonization does not "make" a person a saint;
it recognizes who is already one.

But the Sainthood investigation must originate within the candidates' diocese.


3,510 posted on 03/31/2005 6:26:55 PM PST by EllaMinnow
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3500 | View Replies ]

To: malakhi

Thank you. I'm not trying to disparage Terri Schiavo or her memory. I just am dubious about her becoming a saint. When I think of saints, I'm stuck with the image of Peter, no less.


3,531 posted on 03/31/2005 7:02:41 PM PST by Pan_Yans Wife (" It is not true that life is one damn thing after another-it's one damn thing over and over." ESV)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3500 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson