Did You Know…?

In 1983, Pope John Paul II made sweeping changes in the canonization procedure. The process begins after the death of a Catholic whom people regard as holy. Often, the process starts many years after death in order give perspective on the candidate. The local bishop investigates the candidate's life and writings for heroic virtue (or martyrdom) and orthodoxy of doctrine. Then a panel of theologians at the Vatican evaluates the candidate. After approval by the panel and cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the pope proclaims the candidate "venerable."

The next step, beatification, requires evidence of one miracle (except in the case of martyrs). Since miracles are considered proof that the person is in heaven and can intercede for us, the miracle must take place after the candidate's death and as a result of a specific petition to the candidate. When the pope proclaims the candidate beatified or "blessed," the person can be venerated by a particular region or group of people with whom the person holds special importance.

Only after one more miracle will the pope canonize the saint (this includes martyrs as well). The title of saint tells us 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 what God has already done. (http://www.catholic.org/)

Hoban High School, a Holy Cross sponsored high school in Akron Ohio as well as my place of employment, will be celebrating a major event on Saturday September 15th, 2007- the beatification of the Venerable Father Basile Moreau, founder of the brothers, priests, and sisters of Holy Cross. Beatification must always come before canonization, or sainthood, according the Catholic Church.

The cause for Father Moreau’s beatification was introduced in Rome in 1955. His Holiness, John Paul II, approved his beatification in 2003, declaring that, as a Servant of God, Father Moreau had “practiced the theological virtues of faith, hope and love towards God and neighbor, as well as the related cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude, to an heroic degree.”

Born on February 11, 1799, near Le Mans, Father Moreau experienced the devastating consequences of the French Revolution. Yet, he worked tirelessly throughout his life as a priest and as founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, transforming the post-revolution culture around him. Today, the men and women religious of Holy Cross minister in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. They are engaged in a variety of ministries fulfilling their commitment to continue the mission of Jesus in the spirit of Father Moreau.