Challenges and Costs of Sainthood: The Unseen Obstacles to Canonization
Title: The Cost of Sainthood: Financial Barriers for Potential Saints
In the world of Catholicism, the road to sainthood is paved with challenges — and for many potential saints, the biggest hurdle is financial. As the costs of canonization continue to rise, the dreams of elevating lesser-known figures to the altars are often dashed due to lack of resources.
The recent spotlight on the canonization process has brought to light the struggles faced by advocates of potential saints who cannot afford the hefty price tag attached to the journey. From research to translation to beatification ceremonies, the expenses can add up to hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars.
One such example is the case of the six American Black Catholics with causes underway for sainthood. Despite waiting a total of 720 years, the financial burden of moving their causes forward remains a significant obstacle. Ralph E. Moore Jr., a dedicated parishioner, has taken matters into his own hands by organizing a letter-writing campaign to Pope Francis in hopes of advancing their sainthood.
The story is not unique to the American Black Catholics, as other potential saints from various backgrounds face similar challenges. The Martyrs of La Florida, a group of Native American and Spanish Catholics, have been waiting for over 300 years for their cause to progress. Father Len Plazewski, the vice postulator for their canonization, highlighted the difficulties in accumulating the necessary information and resources to move the cause forward.
The lack of financial resources has also impacted potential saints from the developing world, where sanctity is abundant but resources are scarce. John Allen Jr., a Vatican analyst, pointed out that many worthy candidates never make it past the initial stages due to financial constraints.
Despite the Vatican’s efforts to assist “poor causes,” the reality remains that not all deserving candidates can receive the necessary support. As the costs of canonization continue to rise, the dreams of potential saints may remain unfulfilled unless significant changes are made to the process.
The story of the financial barriers to sainthood sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by advocates of potential saints. As the Catholic Church continues to navigate the canonization process, the question remains: How many worthy candidates will be left behind due to lack of resources?