(M.L.: canonizare, to canonize)
Declaration of the Sovereign Pontiff that the faithful should venerate as a Saint one who had already been beatified. Beatification permits veneration of the Blessed one in certain places or communities: canonization commands it everywhere. The decree is issued only after the Congregation of Rites has accepted proof of two miracles through the intercession of the Blessed who had been formally beatified, occurring after the beatification and of three miracles for one whose beatification had taken place without the ordinary process. The Saint is now entitled to the full honors of the altar, though the Mass and Office may not be extended to the entire Church. The canonization is solemnly celebrated in Saint Peter's and a solemn novena or triduum is made in another church of the city chosen for this purpose; this same nine or three days service may be also held elsewhere within a given time following the canonization.
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