Canonization

/ˌkænənɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The official process by which the Christian church, usually the Catholic Church, declares that a deceased person is a saint and worthy of veneration.

Etymology

From canonize (from canon, Latin for 'rule') plus -ation suffix. It means 'the process of making into a canon,' or officially recognized list of saints.

Kelly Says

Canonization is one of the most thorough vetting processes ever created—investigations can last centuries, requiring multiple verified miracles before someone is officially declared a saint.

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