Pope Francis Officially Canonizes Two New Saints

In a momentous ceremony, Pope Francis officially canonized two new saints to the Catholic Church on the occasion of All Saints’ Day. The elevation of these saints, St. Artemide Zatti and Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, was a culmination of a rigorous process that involved the examination of their lives, historical research, and the attribution of miracles to their intercession.

The canonization process traces its roots back to the early Christian communities, which were persecuted and decentralized. In the early Church, formal procedures for sainthood developed within these communities in relative isolation. When a request for canonization was made, it first went to the local bishop for review.

The bishop would carefully study the candidate’s request and biography, determining whether it was favorable or not. If favorable, the bishop would issue a decree, legitimizing the liturgical cult of the person and initiating the canonization process. The request would then be forwarded to the Pope for final ruling.

The first official papal canonization took place in 993 when Pope John XV canonized Swiss bishop St. Ulric. This marked a significant step in the development of the formal process for declaring someone a saint. With time, a more structured system came into place, involving the examination of miracles attributed to the intercession of the candidate.

The final stage of canonization includes the determination of an additional miracle that occurs after the beatification of the Blessed. This miracle is important because it solidifies the candidate’s status as a saint. Once this miracle is recognized and verified, the Pope grants the official canonization, allowing for the public veneration of the saint by the universal Church.

St. Artemide Zatti and Giovanni Battista Scalabrini were the most recent saints to be canonized by Pope Francis in October of last year. Their lives and virtues were recognized, and miracles attributed to their intercession further affirmed their sanctity. The Catholic Church now acknowledges them as saints, and they join the illustrious company of other revered figures.

The canonization of new saints is a significant event for the Catholic Church. It not only recognizes the holiness and exemplary lives of these individuals but also provides inspiration and models of faith for the faithful. The process ensures thorough investigation and scrutiny, safeguarding the Church’s authoritative declaration of sainthood.

Pope Francis’ special Angelus address on All Saints’ Day emphasized the importance of venerating and seeking the intercession of the saints. He encouraged all Catholics to look to these holy men and women as examples of faith and to seek their support and guidance in times of need.

While some Catholics may have concerns about the darker elements of Halloween celebrations, this day, dedicated to honoring the saints, reminds believers of the role models they have in heaven. All Saints’ Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the countless saints who have lived virtuous lives and continue to inspire the faithful.

Despite the solemnity and significance surrounding this day, a senseless act of vandalism occurred at Calvary Cemetery recently. The cemetery, a place of reverence and remembrance, was defaced by vandals who left behind obscene and satanic graffiti. Such actions are deeply disrespectful and violate the sanctity of the cemetery.

As the Catholic Church celebrates All Saints’ Day and the canonization of two new saints, it also calls for respect, reverence, and upliftment of the sacred. The faithful are invited to seek solace in the saints’ examples and continue to strive for holiness in their own lives.