The Step by Step Guide to how to become a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church

If you have ever followed me and my Saint adventures before, you know that I believe strongly that everyone has the capability to become a canonized Saint one day.  But how does that work?  Well, here's a step to step guide on the process of canonization:

1.  Live your life in accordance with Holy will of God.  Be the very unique person that God meant for YOU to be.  Note:  A mistake can be trying to be exactly like the Saints, but God made you to be you not St. Francis.  So be you.  And be awesome.  (See Scripture and Church Tradition for more information). 

2.  Die.  Sorry, canonization isn't considered until after you are dead.  Also included in this step is waiting at least 5 years after your death.  Unless your lucky and the 5 year waiting period is waived.  This is rare, but happened in the cases of St. Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II.

3.  The investigation into your life starts at the local level, where the bishop of your diocese will petition Rome (The Vatican) to open a cause for sainthood. 

4.  If Rome approves, then the Congregation for the Causes of Saints opens your case and you are declared a "Servant of God".  They then begin their own investigation into your life along with a further report made by your bishop.  

5. If the Vatican likes all of this information, then it is submitted to the Pope and if he likes it, you are declared "heroic in virtue", and you receive the title "Venerable".

6.  The next step is your beatification.  To become beatified, a miracle has to be attributed to your name (unless you were a martyr.  Also note that if your body is incorrupt, that counts as a miracle).  You are now called "Blessed". 

7.  If one more miracles can be attributed to your name then the Pope can canonize you.  Yay!  You are now called "Saint" (with a big S) and are declared to be in heaven with God. 

Information taken from:
https://www.dioslc.org/images/tribunal/THE%20PROCESS%20OF%20CANONIZATION%20OF%20SAINTS.pdf   

https://www.ewtn.com/johnpaul2/cause/process.asp

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/saints/index.cfm