06/18/2026
THE STEPS TO BECOMING A SAINT
Understanding the Catholic Process of Canonization
“Every day, Catholics ask for the intercession of the saints. We celebrate their feast days, honor their heroic lives, and seek their prayers before God. But have you ever wondered: How does someone become a saint in the Catholic Church?”
Many people mistakenly think that the Church “makes” saints. In reality, the Church does not create saints. God alone makes saints through His grace. The Church’s role is to carefully investigate and officially recognize those whom she believes are already enjoying the Beatific Vision in heaven.
Canonization is therefore not the making of a saint, but the Church’s solemn declaration that a person lived a life of heroic holiness and is worthy of universal veneration by the faithful.
1. DOES THE CHURCH “MAKE” SAINTS?
The short answer is No.
A person becomes holy through God’s grace, faithful cooperation with that grace, and perseverance in love and virtue.
The Church investigates whether there is sufficient evidence that the person practiced heroic virtue and is now in heaven.
Thus, canonization is the Church formally recognizing what God has already accomplished.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Be holy, for I am holy.”
- 1 Peter 1:16
Every Christian is called to holiness, even though only some are formally canonized.
2. SERVANT OF GOD
The Cause Begins
The process usually begins at least several years after a person’s death, though the Pope may dispense from this waiting period in exceptional circumstances.
When there is widespread evidence of holiness and devotion among the faithful, the local bishop may open an official investigation into the person’s life.
At this stage, the individual receives the title:
Servant of God
Witnesses are interviewed, writings are examined, and evidence is gathered to determine whether the person faithfully lived the Christian life.
This first step is not a declaration of sainthood but the beginning of a careful investigation.
3. VENERABLE
Recognition of Heroic Virtue
After the diocesan investigation, the case is sent to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Experts study the person’s life in detail.
If the Pope approves that the person practiced Christian virtues to a heroic degree, he grants the title:
Venerable
This means the Church recognizes that the person lived an exemplary life of holiness.
However, public liturgical veneration is not yet permitted.
4. BLESSED
Beatification
The next stage is called Beatification.
Ordinarily, a miracle attributed to the person’s intercession after death must be carefully investigated and approved.
The miracle is usually a medically inexplicable healing that cannot be explained by science.
Martyrs, those who died for the faith, may be beatified without a miracle because their martyrdom itself is considered a supreme witness to Christ.
Once beatified, the person receives the title:
Blessed
Public veneration is usually permitted in certain regions, dioceses, or religious communities.
5. SAINT
Canonization
For canonization, a second miracle is ordinarily required after beatification.
After another thorough investigation, the Pope may solemnly declare the person a saint of the universal Church.
At this stage, the individual receives the title:
Saint
The Church then permits and encourages veneration of the saint throughout the world.
The saint’s feast day may be celebrated, churches may be dedicated in their honor, and the faithful may confidently ask for their intercession.
6. WHY DOES THE CHURCH REQUIRE MIRACLES?
Miracles are not magic or superstition.
The Church views miracles as signs that God confirms the person’s presence in heaven and their intercession for the faithful.
Because miracles can sometimes have natural explanations, the Church uses rigorous scientific, medical, and theological investigations before approving them.
This careful process helps ensure credibility and protects the integrity of canonization.
7. CAN ORDINARY PEOPLE BECOME SAINTS?
Absolutely.
The saints come from every walk of life:
* Popes and bishops
* Priests and religious
* Married couples
* Young people
* Workers and professionals
Holiness is not reserved for a few extraordinary individuals.
The universal call to holiness belongs to every Christian.
As the Second Vatican Council taught:
“All the faithful of Christ are invited to strive for holiness.”
- Lumen Gentium, 40
The goal of the Christian life is not merely to admire saints, but to become saints.
IN SUMMARY
The Church does not make saints.
Rather, she carefully investigates and officially recognizes those who have lived heroic lives of holiness and whom she believes are in heaven.
The usual stages are:
Servant of God → Venerable → Blessed → Saint
Behind every canonized saint lies a life of faith, sacrifice, prayer, and love for God.
The process reminds us that sainthood is not reserved for a select few. It is the vocation of every Christian.
Today, Reflect:
If the Church were to examine my life, would it find signs of growing holiness?
“The only tragedy in life is not to become a saint.”
- Léon Bloy
Now you know.
SOURCE:
Sacred Scripture: 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:1
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 828, 946 - 957, 2013 - 2014)
Code of Canon Law
Dicastery for the Causes of Saints
Second Vatican Council - Lumen Gentium (Chapter V)
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired
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