- 1. The criteria and process of canonization in the Catholic Church are intricate and reflective of the Church's commitment to discernment and holiness. Canonization refers to the official declaration by the Pope that a deceased person is a saint, meaning they are in heaven and worthy of veneration by the faithful. The process typically begins at the local level, where a person must first be declared 'venerable' after thorough investigation into their life, virtues, and the authenticity of their miraculous intercessions. This investigation is often initiated by a bishop or religious order, gathering testimony, writings, and other pertinent evidence to advocate for the individual's holiness. After this, if sufficient proof of heroic virtues is established, a petition is sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. The Congregation meticulously evaluates the case, examining the person's life and the reported miracles attributed to them, which are critical for the next stages of canonization: beatification and canonization. To be beatified, a miracle must be verified, affirming the person’s ability to intercede with God on behalf of others. Following beatification, another miracle is usually required for canonization, further attesting to the saint's holiness and the impact of their life on the faithful. Throughout this rich and rigorous process, the Church emphasizes discernment, the pursuit of truth, and the example of holy living as essential to identifying those who have truly lived the Christian virtues in a remarkable and inspiring manner.
What is the first step in the process of canonization?
A) Saint
B) Servant of God
C) Venerable
D) Blessed
- 2. What does the title 'Venerable' indicate?
A) The person is a Servant of God
B) The person is a confirmed miracle worker
C) The person has been declared a Saint
D) The person lived a life of heroic virtue
- 3. How many miracles are typically required for beatification?
A) Two
B) Three
C) None
D) One
- 4. What is the role of the 'Postulator'?
A) Local bishop's advisor
B) Critic of the candidate
C) Guardian of the relics
D) Advocate for the cause of canonization
- 5. What is a 'miracle' in the context of canonization?
A) A supernatural event attributed to intercession
B) An ancient story
C) Any act of charity
D) A documented healing
- 6. Which title is given to a person after their heroic virtues have been verified?
A) Servant of God
B) Blessed
C) Saint
D) Venerable
- 7. What is the necessary timeframe after death for considering a candidate for sainthood?
A) Twenty years
B) Five years
C) Ten years
D) One year
- 8. Which pope canonized a large number of saints in the 20th century?
A) Pope Francis
B) Pope John Paul II
C) Pope Benedict XVI
D) Pope Paul VI
- 9. What document officially declares a person's sainthood?
A) Bishop's decree
B) Diocesan letter
C) Papal bull
D) Congregational report
A) A miracle as a proof for canonization
B) A church milestone
C) A relic type
D) A type of saint
- 11. Which one is a post-canonical title?
A) Saint
B) Servant of God
C) Blessed
D) Venerable
- 12. The term 'beatification' means allowing a person to be ____.
A) Worshipped
B) Canonized
C) Interceded to
D) Venerated
- 13. What is emphasized in the life of someone being considered for sainthood?
A) Social status
B) Popularity
C) Heroic virtue
D) Wealth
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