"D> Also, I heard that it is necessary to have a body of a past Christian
"D> in order for that person to be proclaimed a Saint by the church. Is
"D> this true? And, if so, how were some of the martyrs, whose bodies
"D> were destroyed, recognized as Saints?
"D> Thanks,
"D> I appreciate you informative responses...
Dear Jeff,
The process of "making saints" is a complex one which has developed and
changed through the centuries. Please read Kenneth Woodwards's 1991 book
"Making Saints" for fuller information (Touchstone Books), ISBN 0-671-74743 6).
In the first three centuries, the "Age of Martyrs", liturgical cultus grew up
around actual tombs of the martyrs, so that without the body of the martyr,
there was no focus of devotion. Later, the existence of the body was a useful
proof that the saint actually existed. In any case, there must always be proof
(documentary, eyewitness, whatever) that the saint lived a heroic Christian
life and died in the faith and charity of Christ. In some cases, the saint's
body may have been destroyed in his martyrdom (like St. Maximilian Kolbe) or
even unaccountably lost (like Blessed Peter Faber). In such cases, other
proofs of the saint's holy life and death have to suffice.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
--- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit ---
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