A saint is someone who demonstrated holiness while on earth and whose life is worth imitating to such a degree that the Church holds him/her up as an example.
The Church's process for declaring someone a saint is lengthy and thorough. It is a slow process because many individuals are being presented for sainthood and each case requires careful investigation. Canon lawyers, medical doctors, and theologians are involved in examining documentation at every level.
“To love Christ means to give oneself entirely, to pour out one's life so that the light of the Gospel may shine in every corner of the earth.” — Bishop McCauley
The Path to Sainthood: Bishop McCauley's Cause
Since 2006, the Catholic Church has been rigorously examining the life, virtues, and possible miracles attributed to the intercession of Bishop Vincent J. McCauley. Here are the stages of his Cause for Beatification:
Servant of God
Title granted in 2006 when the Diocese of Fort Portal formally opened the Cause. An initial investigation into his life and heroic virtue began.
Diocesan Inquiry
Witnesses, writings, and testimonies were collected. Canon lawyers, theologians, and a historical commission examined Bishop McCauley's holiness.
Medical & Theological Review
Any reported favors or miracles undergo strict scrutiny by independent medical experts and theologians at the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Beatification & Canonization
If a miracle is approved through McCauley's intercession, he may be declared Blessed. A second miracle would lead to formal canonization as a Saint.
Timeline of Bishop McCauley's Cause
✧ "To love Christ means to give oneself entirely..." — Servant of God Vincent McCauley, C.S.C ✧