Canonization facts for kids
Canonisation is a special way a church says that someone is a saint. This process is mostly used by the Roman Catholic Church. Only people who have died can become saints through canonisation.
Contents
What is Canonisation?
This process helps the Church officially recognize people who lived very holy lives. It's like saying, "We are sure this person is in heaven with God."
How Does Someone Become a Saint?
To become a saint, a person must have lived a life full of love for others and for God. The Church looks closely at their life story. They check if the person showed great kindness and faith.
The Role of Miracles
In the Catholic Church, at least two miracles must happen because of the saint's prayers. This is called "intercession." People believe that saints are in heaven with God. So, they pray to the saint, asking the saint to pray to God for them.
If a prayer is answered and a miracle happens, it helps prove the person is a saint. These miracles show that the saint is truly in heaven with God. They are able to ask God for prayers to be answered.
Are Saints "Made" by the Church?
It is important to know that the Church does not "make" someone a saint. The Catholic Church believes that anyone who is in heaven is already a saint. The canonisation process simply finds out for sure that someone is a saint. Once confirmed, their name is added to the official list, or "canon," of saints.
Images for kids
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Icon of St. Cyprian of Carthage, who urged diligence in the process of canonization
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Canonization of Elizabeth of Hungary in 1235. Sándor Liezen-Mayer (1863)
See also
In Spanish: Canonización para niños
