How does someone become a saint?

For Catholics, canonization it is a formal declaration by the pope that the person named is in heaven. There is a definite procedure the Church follows before the Pope will declare a new saint.

A detailed investigation is conducted into the person's earthly life, to make sure he or she committed no serious, ongoing sin. In addition, there must be evidence presented of at least two scientifically-proven miracles which occurred after this person had died and their help was sought in prayer.

There are many saints in heaven whose names are unknown. They are holy people who lived lives of quiet sanctity without attracting attention. Many people have family members in this category.

Imagine, if you will, the saints' present situation. They are eternally happy, praising God in heaven. However, just as their family members and friends do not forget them, they do not forget those they left behind on earth. They are in a splendid position to petition the Almighty for favours to help their loved ones on earth. They are close to the throne of the God of infinite love. They can ask more effectively and powerfully than folks on earth who are easily distracted and plagued by doubts which assail their already weak faith.

Catholics do not pray to saints. Rather, they ask the help of saints in bringing requests to God. They honour the saints; they study the lives of the saints and use them for role models. Devout parents often give their child the name of a saint, thus asking the holy one to look out for the child, guide him through life and help him attain heaven.

Catholics look upon the saints as friends, helpers, human beings who have successfully completed their earthly journey. Catholics believe in the doctrine of "The Communion of Saints", as mentioned in the Apostles' Creed.

There are three levels of existence in which a human may find himself or herself. Those on earth, are referred to as the church militant. They are struggling against temptations from the world, the flesh and the devil. They can pray for the souls in Purgatory. They can ask for help from the saints in heaven.

Souls in heaven are referred to as the church triumphant. They are the saints, both known and unknown who have reached their goal. They can pray for those on earth, and also for the souls in Purgatory.

 Those in Purgatory are called the church suffering. These souls left earth with some sins or imperfections on their souls. They are undergoing a purifying process which will make them fit to enter the perfection of heaven. Their time of suffering can be lessened by the intercession of those in heaven and those on earth.

The "Communion of Saints" is a circle of friends on a cosmic scale. It's been said that Christians don't go to heaven alone. They go with and through other people. The Church community transcends time and space as we know it.

Catholics, then, do not pray to saints as they pray to God. Catholics ask the saints to present their prayers to the Almighty from the more advantageous position which the saints enjoy. The scores of requests granted through the intercession of the saints are convincing testimony to the effectiveness of this tradition.