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Joseph Krane wrote: |
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Hi, guys —
First, allow me to say that you have an excellent
web site here. That is precisely why I chose
to ask you a few questions about saints and canonization.
- Has there been a campaign to canonize Pope Leo XIII?
- If not, how would the campaign start?
- Also, would it be sinful to pray and be
devoted to this man — or any other dead
Catholics, for that matter — as though
they were canonized and consequently in Heaven?
- Is either Andrew of Rinn or Simon of Trent (Note) formally canonized?
I have read that both are
and that the cultus of at least Simon was suppressed,
so I'm not certain.
- Where can I get information on Old Testament
saints, such as feast days, patronages, etc.?
Thank you,
Joseph
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| { What's the process for being a saint; can I pray to someone whose not a saint and are they saints? } |
Eric replied:
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Joseph —
You wrote:
Oh, wouldn't it be neat if there were a database of such a thing!
I have
no clue whether there is a cause for Leo XIII; perhaps my colleagues would. My 1989 Book of Saints does not list him at all. That doesn't rule out
a cause. It just means he's not at least venerable.
You wrote:
- If not, how would the campaign start?
I am not sure how you'd start a cause — perhaps writing your bishop might
bring some answers
or again, let me defer to my colleagues.
You wrote:
- Also, would it be sinful to pray and be
devoted to this man — or any other dead
Catholics, for that matter — as though
they were canonized and consequently in Heaven?
Ah, here I can help. It is possible to pray to anyone you think is not
in Hell.
You wrote:
- Is either Andrew of Rinn or Simon of Trent
formally canonized?
I have read that both are
and that the cultus of at least Simon was suppressed,
so I'm not certain.
Andrew of Rinn is blessed, according to my book (His feast day is July 12). However,
it notes that Benedict XIV allowed the continuation of the local cultus,
but refused to proceed to Andrew's canonization.
Simon of Trent is canonized (His feast day is March 24th).
You wrote:
- Where can I get information on Old Testament
saints, such as feast days, patronages, etc.?
This book:
is a fairly good one, though not complete. Generally,
Eastern Christians have more interest in such things, so I'd gravitate
in that direction.
Eric Ewanco
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Mary Ann replied:
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Dear Joseph,
You wrote:
- Also, would it be sinful to pray and be
devoted to this man — or any other dead
Catholics, for that matter — as though
they were canonized and consequently in Heaven?
We are encouraged by the Church to pray to:
- the saints in Heaven
- those we think are in Heaven
- as well as for the souls in Purgatory, asking for their intercession for our needs.
The prayers of the Holy Souls in Purgatory are powerful
and while they cannot do any good for themselves, they can help us.
Of
course, we don't try to "summon spirits", but we do pray (in/to)
the Lord for their prayers, that a given soul might help us through his
or her intercession.
If you have a strong devotion to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, you may want to check out Mike's other web site dedicated to this cause, Helpers of the Holy Souls.
Mary Ann
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Jeffrey Smith commented:
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Mike:
First, I enjoy the daily e-mails. Keep up the good work. I was just checking
out the new question and answer postings and noticed the comment by Eric
Ewanco about the lack of a good database for those promoting the causes of others toward the path to canonization.
Take a look at the Hagiography Circle.
I found it yesterday while looking for information on Prince Gallitzin.
It has a lot of useful information but the navigation is a bit confusing.
I just looked for Leo XIII there but drew a blank. There's a good guide
to the process and I hope the questioner doesn't give up.
Pope Leo should
have been recognized long ago.
Jeffrey Smith
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