What is the term for the process in the Catholic Church by which a person is recognized as capable of intercession for people on earth, the third of four steps toward canonization?

• A. Canonization
• B. Intercession
• C. Veneration
• D. Beatification

Answer: (D)

Beatification is the process by which the Church recognizes that a deceased person can intercede for the living and may be publicly venerated in many places. It is the third step toward canonization, coming after the declarations of Servant of God and Venerable and before full canonization as a saint. When beatified, the person receives the title Blessed and is believed to be in heaven, able to intercede through prayer for those on earth, usually confirmed by a miracle attributed to their intercession. Canonization is the final step that declares the person a saint. Intercession means asking a saint to pray on our behalf, and veneration is the honor shown to saints, which grows with beatification and canonization.