The Beatification Process: How the Catholic Church Honors the Faithful

Catholic Church to Recognise Sister Maria Carola Cechin as “Blessed” on 5 November 2022

On 5 November 2022, the Catholic Church will formally recognise Sister Maria Carola Cechin (1877-1925) as “Blessed”. The Italian-born nun spent two decades serving in Kenya, and her beatification marks a significant milestone in her journey towards sainthood.

After the formal recognition, Catholic church services can be held in her honour in places closely associated with Sister Carola or within her religious order. An annual celebration in the church calendar of seasons can also be dedicated to her, and churches and other institutions in those areas can be named after her.

The process of beatification is the second-last step before canonisation, which is the official admission into sainthood. The Catholic Church carefully evaluates the lives and actions of individuals before bestowing such honours upon them.

How to Become Beatified

The path towards being acclaimed as a saint involves several stages and may take many years to complete. At least five years must pass after the death of a person before a request is made to the local bishop to start the “cause for canonisation”.

A local enquiry into someone’s holiness involves interviewing people who knew the person, examining their deeds, and ensuring they wrote nothing contradicting the Catholic faith. If evidence of bad behaviour is discovered, a thorough change of life must also be presented.

Following positive evaluations, the Vatican grants the person the title “Servant of God” and their cause for canonisation officially opens. The process then involves further investigation by Roman authorities and the recognition of the person as “Venerable” before beatification.

Sister Carola’s Miracle

Sister Carola’s beatification follows the confirmation of a miracle attributed to her. Officials in Rome agreed that a prayer made for her intervention led to the survival of a boy born with no heartbeat in a village in Kenya.

The Catholic Church investigates claimed miracles meticulously, with the majority involving cases of scientifically inexplicable healing. A panel of scientists and theologians evaluates the evidence before passing on their recommendations to the pope.

At Sister Carola’s beatification ceremony in Kenya, she will be granted the title “Blessed” in recognition of her holiness and the miracle attributed to her intercession.

Sister Carola becomes the second person who worked in Kenya to be beatified, following Sister Irene Stefani in May 2015. The Catholic Church continues to honour individuals who have lived exceptionally holy lives and served as models of Christian virtue.

Overall, the process of beatification and canonisation reflects the Catholic Church’s commitment to recognising and celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to the faith and the world.