{"id":109010,"date":"2026-05-04T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=109010"},"modified":"2026-05-04T10:09:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T08:09:47","slug":"officially-called-saint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/officially-called-saint\/","title":{"rendered":"What It Really Takes to Be Officially Called a Saint"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:75.1%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>The path to sainthood is extremely difficult, and it doesn&rsquo;t only depend on the individual who walks it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Catholic Church, being officially recognized as a saint can take decades or even centuries!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s the Church&rsquo;s declaration that a specific person lived a life of such <strong>radical holiness<\/strong> that they are in heaven interceding for the rest of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&rsquo;s see what it actually takes to achieve this <strong>spiritual honor<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Living a Holy Life<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109045\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109045\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109045 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-8-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Long before any official documents are signed in the Vatican, the foundation of sainthood rests on the person&rsquo;s <strong>daily choices<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To even be considered, an individual must live a life of exceptional virtue and charity. They have to be radically committed to the Gospel in everything they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Church looks for heroic virtue, and that means going far beyond what&rsquo;s expected of an ordinary person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A saint&rsquo;s life is marked by a complete surrender to God&rsquo;s will, often through sacrifice, suffering, and <strong>absolute selflessness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their love for God has to be so strong that it inspires faith in others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Posthumous Veneration<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109036\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"751\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-728x546.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-960x721.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-170x128.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"751\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20751'%3E%3Crect%20width='1000'%20height='751'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109036 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-728x546.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-960x721.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-6-170x128.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When a person who lived a holy life dies, their spiritual legacy only just begins. Posthumously, their <strong>holy reputation<\/strong> starts to spread among the faithful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People might start praying to them for intercession and sharing stories about their incredible impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This step is crucial, even if nothing is yet official.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The veneration is not manufactured by the Church; it <strong>comes spontaneously<\/strong>, as people start to sense that this person is close to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their veneration starts <strong>locally<\/strong>, with people going to their grave, praying, and leaving offerings and flowers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This posthumous love is thought to be the Holy Spirit moving through the people, signaling that the person in question is extraordinary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Being Named a Servant of God<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109043\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109043 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-4-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is where the bureaucracy of the Church comes into play.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process officially begins when a bishop in the saint&rsquo;s local diocese decides that the devotion is legitimate and worth investigating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He formally <strong>opens an inquiry<\/strong> a few years after the individual has passed, to give their loved ones time to grieve and to be objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is when they&rsquo;re given the title of <strong>&ldquo;Servant of God.&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It acknowledges that their life was dedicated to God and other people. However, this is only the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Church is only taking the first serious look at their life, but they&rsquo;re still miles away from official sainthood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Diocesan Investigation<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109041\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9.jpg\" alt=\"official church saint\" class=\"wp-image-109041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"official church saint\" class=\"wp-image-109041 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-9-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Once the title of Servant of God is bestowed, the local bishop assembles a tribunal, and the diocesan investigation begins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an assessment of the person&rsquo;s entire life. Essentially, it&rsquo;s a <strong>legal proceeding<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They collect every single document the person ever wrote, like their letters, books, and even diaries. Witnesses who knew them are interviewed under oath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Church needs <strong>strong evidence<\/strong> of the person&rsquo;s life and virtues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also carefully investigate any claims of miracles. Every detail is scrutinized, and when it&rsquo;s done, it&rsquo;s <strong>sent to the Vatican<\/strong> for further review.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Being Officially Declared Venerable<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109042\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109042 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-2-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When the evidence arrives in Rome, it&rsquo;s taken by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/romancuria\/en\/dicasteri\/dicastero-cause-santi\/profilo.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dicastery for the Causes of Saints<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Theologians and historians review the evidence with one specific thing in mind: proof that the Servant of God lived a life of <strong>heroic virtue<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If these experts conclude that was the case, they go on to present their findings to the Pope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quando il <strong>Pope<\/strong> agrees and <strong>issues a decree<\/strong>, the person is officially &ldquo;Venerable.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&rsquo;re still not a saint, though. But the Church has stated that their live was profoundly holy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. The Miracle of Beatification and the Blessing<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109044\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"912\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109044\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5.jpg 912w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-728x546.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-170x128.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"912\" height=\"684\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20912%20684'%3E%3Crect%20width='912'%20height='684'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109044 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5.jpg 912w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-728x546.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-5-170x128.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>To move from Venerable to Blessed, the Vatican requires a <strong>verified miracle<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Church requires a miracle that exists and is scientifically inexplicable. Most commonly, this ends up being a miraculous healing that medicine can&rsquo;t explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, when healing actually is the case, independent medical doctors have to examine the case and submit their findings. So, not clergy, but actual <strong>medical experts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If they can&rsquo;t explain the recovery, it&rsquo;s considered a miracle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, the healing has to come as a <strong>result of prayer<\/strong>, meaning someone prayed for the Venerable person to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Local Veneration<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109046\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109046 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-3-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Once the first miracle is confirmed, the Pope schedules a ceremony called beatification.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the ceremony, the Pope declares the Venerable person to be <strong>Blessed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an official acknowledgment by the Church that this person is in heaven and is able to intercede for those who pray to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ceremony is usually held in the person&rsquo;s local diocese, so it&rsquo;s usually very joyful and personal for their community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Blessed is now assigned a specific feast day for <strong>local celebration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike a canonized saint, they&rsquo;re only venerated locally and are not found in the universal Catholic calendar.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Canonization and the Second Miracle<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-109035\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109035 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/official-sainthood-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>To officially make them a Saint, the Church needs a second miracle, and it must occur after the beatification ceremony.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rules are the same &ndash; it must be lasting and inexplicable, and a direct result of praying to the Blessed person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second miracle is seen as the final <strong>stamp of approval<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once it undergoes scientific and theological scrutiny in Rome, the Pope schedules canonization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During this majestic mass, the Pope declares the person to be a Saint. Their name is added to the list of the Church&rsquo;s recognized saints, and they&rsquo;re <strong>venerated globally<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The path to sainthood is extremely difficult, and it doesn&rsquo;t only depend on the individual who walks it.&nbsp; In the Catholic Church, being officially recognized &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":109035,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["article"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[208,100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-109010","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history","category-spirituality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109010","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109010"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109010\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":110597,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109010\/revisions\/110597"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109010"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109010"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109010"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}