Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived heroic virtues.Practically speaking, what are the differences between being declared Venerable, Blessed, and Saint? If we are to assume that if someone bears any of these titles then they are in Heaven, then why not just call them all “Saint X,” since a ‘saint’ is just someone in heaven? Is the difference just in ‘levels’ of honor? Or is it just a regional thing (ie non-universal feast days vs. universal feast days)?
Understood, and thank you for laying it out. However, all three of these titles imply that said person is in Heaven, right? Although I see how important it is to rigorously examine the life of a virtuous person so as to determine how ‘Christ-like’ of a person they were, I don’t see what the practical difference is between calling someone ‘blessed’ vs. ‘saint’ if both would be in heaven. I can still venerate any of these people no matter which title they hold, correct?Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived heroic virtues.
To be beatified and recognized as Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate’s intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or martyrdom.
Canonization, or sainthood, requires a second miracle after beatification, though a pope may waive these requirements. The process is rigorous and involves a very detailed examination of the person’s life and also the effect of that person on others.
Yes. I would have to agree.Understood, and thank you for laying it out. However, all three of these titles imply that said person is in Heaven, right? Although I see how important it is to rigorously examine the life of a virtuous person so as to determine how ‘Christ-like’ of a person they were, I don’t see what the practical difference is between calling someone ‘blessed’ vs. ‘saint’ if both would be in heaven. I can still venerate any of these people no matter which title they hold, correct?
Good points!To put it another way, Venerable means that the Church has investigated the individual, and they see nothing that would impede their path to sainthood. However, only the judgement of God can confirm that fallible decision. So, miracles are required to ensure that their judgment was correct and confirmed by God. A single miracle elevates someone to Blessed, and a second miracle (just to ensure the first one wasn’t a fluke and misinterpreted) confirms the candidate as Canonized. This makes him a Saint, and infallibly confirmed by the judgement of God to be in heaven.
Oh, I see, so being named Venerable or Blessed is not actually an infallible declaration that the individual in question is in Heaven? I didn’t know that - thanks for clarifying!To put it another way, Venerable means that the Church has investigated the individual, and they see nothing that would impede their path to sainthood. However, only the judgement of God can confirm that fallible decision. So, miracles are required to ensure that their judgment was correct and confirmed by God. A single miracle elevates someone to Blessed, and a second miracle (just to ensure the first one wasn’t a fluke and misinterpreted) confirms the candidate as Canonized. This makes him a Saint, and infallibly confirmed by the judgement of God to be in heaven.