Beatification

Beatification is the official recognition that a deceased person can be praised through a local Catholic Church. It is very similar to canonization, with the exception that a canonization recognizes the veneration of the deceased universally as opposed to locally. Beatification is special permission, applied locally, that allows individuals to pray in the name of a deceased person believed to be capable medium of divine intercession.

Fast Facts

1. Beatified individuals assume the title "Blessed"¹
2. Prerequisites for beatification include a miracle of martyrdom
3. Pope Benedict XVI ended the practice of holding beatification ceremonies at the Vatican
4. Beatification is a prerequisite for canonization
5. Beatification ceremonies are conducted in the locality of the deceased.
6. Mother Teresa beatified on October 19, 2003

Beatification Process²

The beatification process includes several steps intended to verify the candidates worthiness. After a 5-year postmortem waiting period, there is an extensive investigation of the candidate's life work. If the list of accomplishments is sufficient, then the candidate is determined to be "venerable." If the beatification panel can attribute a miracle to the candidate, then he/she would qualify for beatification.

Categories