The "Road to Sainthood" what are the processes?

Contrary to popular belief, the Church does not create saints but simply applies a standard of holiness to individuals who lived exemplary lives. Archbishop Teofilo B. Camomot, D.D. is currently in consideration for sainthood in Roman Catholic Church having granted the “Nihil Obstat” (No Impediments) in September 2010 by the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints (SCCS). He is now Servant of God. This is the step.

The approval is a cause to begin investigation of the candidate (a term used to designate a person whose cause is admitted by the diocesan Bishop) such as gathering of preliminary documents and statements from witnesses that proved the reputation for saintliness enjoyed by the Servant of God, historical data, published writings, a chronological account of his life, a miracale that occurs through the intercession of the Servant of God by the faithful, and a thorough deposition of individual witnesses. This process shall be handled by the Diocesan Tribunal formed on December 27, 2010.

The faithful are invited as witnesses by the Bishop to provide him with useful information related to the cause of which they have ample and substantial knowledge. Witnesses can be a) de visu or eyewitnesses, if they testify on their direct knowledge of the candidate; b) de auditu, if they give testimony on what they heard from others; c) inducti witnesses, a list of names presented by the Postulator during the first session; and d) ex-officio witnesses, invited by the Diocesan Tribunal and many other witnesses (persons with blood relationships, any persons who have lived with or had an intimate relationship) who may contribute in making the process complete.

The Diocesan Tribunal is not sanctioned to pronounce any judgment. Before the closing, the Judge, Promoter of Justice and the Postulator must see to it that all documents submitted are complete. On the last sessions, it is a normal practice for the Diocesan Tribunal to inspect the tomb of the Servant of God, the places where he lived and died, or other related places, to verify that no public worship is made. The Diocesan Tribunal will issue the appropriate statement regarding compliance with the decrees promulgated by Pope Urban VIII.

The original proceedings or acts of the Diocesan Tribunal must retained and deposited in the archives of the Diocesan Curia (properly sealed and stamped), and a duplicate true copy of the acts with all the attached documents (sealed and verified copies and with notary signs) will be sent to the SCCS together with a copy of the writings of the Servant of God that were examined by the theologians and with their corresponding opinion.

One of the most tedious processes is the submission of the printed Positio by the Postulator to the SCCS (Positio refers to the printed volume that contains: a) the declaration of the witnesses and the other documents, both procedural and extra procedural; b) the judgment regarding the writings of the Servant of God; c) an exposition on the history of the cause, supporting materials, the life, the virtues of the Servant of God and his reputation for sanctity, which follow from and summarize the acts of the process. Those on virtues take up a few thousand pages.)

The submitted Positio and the SCCS will be tediously examined. It will be assigned to the General Reporter (an official of the SCCS) along with five Consultors, specialists in history. If majority of the Consultors’ answer is affirmative, the Cause shall be transferred to the next level. This phase the Positio shall undergo examination by the Promoter General of the Faith and by eight Theologian Consultors. At least two thirds of the voters must have voted in affirmative. Then, the Positio is submitted to the assembly of the College of Cardinals and Bishops who are members of the SCCS.

The Holy Father will subsequently order that a decree be promulgated declaring that the Servant of God has indeed practiced the virtues to a heroic degree, and can now be called Venerable.

Once the declaration of the heroic virtues is obtained for the Beaitification, it is necessary to obtain verification of a miracle that has been brought about by God in response to the intercession attributed by the Servant of God provided that no other invocation made to other saints, beatified persons or Servants of God at the same time. (It defers from martyrdom because when the cause concerns the candidate’s martyrdom and it is proven, no miracle is needed to proceed to beatification. The process on miracle takes place separately from that of virtues or martyrdom. A miracle is defined as extraordinary event that cannot be explained according to the laws of nature. If it concerns a healing, inexplicably based on the current scientific knowledge. The Tribunal will consult physicians and medical experts regarding the process involved on a presumed miracle.)

Another activity in the process is the examination on the validity of the presumed miracle by the SCCS and with the assistance of experts shall prepare a briefer Positio, containing among others, substantive materials necessary to prove the miraculous event and attributed to the intercession of the Servant of God. The College of Cardinals and Bishops who are members of the SCCS will then examine the Positio. When the opinion of the SCCS is positive, it is presented to the Roman Pontiff, and all that is left is for the Pope to order the promulgation of the decree that indeed there is a miracle due to the intercession of the Servant of God. When there is already an attainment of a cause, the decrees on the heroic virtues and on miracle the Pope decides whether to proceed to beatification.

The last substantive requirements for canonization of a Beatified Person on the road to sainthood are, as follows: evidence of a new miracle and a favorable decision of the Holy Father, in order for the Pope to convoke a meeting with the College of Cardinals and Bishops assembled in Rome to make a final declaration of the Servant of God as another Saint of the Roman Catholic Church. (Beatification grants worship within a limited sphere, while canonization allows worship throughout the Church without restriction as to place. The word “canonization” comes from the Greek word “kanon” which means a standard or measuring rod.)

With notes from Msgr. Raul T. Go, H.P. – Promoter of Justice