How do you become a Saint? And who determines you to be a Saint?

I would like to start by stating this: Catholics should not worship saints because we should only worship God. Saints should be viewed as role models and people who can intervene on our behalf with God. A saint is a person who has lived an exemplary life and is considered an inspiration. Therefore, when they die, they go to heaven.

The saints are set apart by God through baptism and filled with His grace. Therefore, all those who were baptized and live in a state of grace are able to become a saint. In a more technical sense, saints are those who have victory over sin and they are called saints after life on Earth. See 1 Peter 2:9 .

Since saints are alive in Heaven, they are considered to be close to God. People ask saints to pray for them. A Saint might be a Patron Saint for a certain cause, disaster, region or group of people as I described in yesterday's blog.

But, not just anyone can be titled a saint. The Catholic Church must first examine the state of affairs that qualifies one as a saint (see Steps to Sainthood below). Once one is officially recognized by the Catholic church as a saint, one receives the title "Canonized". One is also listed in the Litany of Saints.

When the Church uses a capital 'S' for the saint that means they are officially canonized. Because all people in Heaven are considered saints, there are thousands of saints.

Canonization can take several years. An investigation of the person and an examination of miracles caused by them is required. The good deeds or holiness while the person was living are also examined.

The official canonization procedure was originally developed by Pope John XV in the 10th century but has had a few revisions since then.

Steps to Sainthood

The process begins 5 years after a person's death. Exceptions to this rule are Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II.

The process consists of local bishops (the bishop of the person's diocese) investigating the life of the person and the results are sent to the Vatican.

After approval by a panel of theologians and Cardinals in the Vatican, the Pope proclaims the candidate as "venerable," meaning a role model of Roman Catholic virtues.

The next step, if it is determined by the Church that the candidate is responsible for a miracle after his or her death, is Beatification.

Finally, for the designation of a Saint, the Church must certify proof of a second posthumous miracle.

I hope this has enlightened someone.