Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Catholic benevolent organization, the Knights of Columbus, recently moved one step closer to sainthood with Pope Francis’ official recognition of a posthumous miracle. McGivney died August 14, 1890 while caring for others during a pandemic not unlike the one we are currently experiencing.

According to the Catholic Church, there are five steps to sainthood, the first of which is death. One must be dead for at least five years to become a saint. After passing an initial investigation, the candidate for sainthood is called a “Servant of God.” The third step has to do with the possession of heroic virtues. If possessed, he or she is given the title, “Venerable.” The fourth step, beautification, requires an officially recognized miracle through the intercession of the candidate for sainthood. He or she is then called “Blessed.” Finally, after a second miracle following beautification, the Pope declares the person to be a “Saint.”

The traditions of men differ from the word of God. In the Bible, every Christian is recognized as a “saint.” The apostle Paul addressed his first letter to the church at Corinth, describing them as “saints by calling” (1 Cor. 1:2). “Saint” means “holy one.” Every Christian is called to live a holy life and is, therefore, a “saint by calling” (1 Pet. 1:15).

The steps to sainthood are the same as the steps we take to come into Christ. Hearing the gospel, we must believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be—the Son of God (Jn. 8:24). Believing in Jesus as the Son of God, we must turn away from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31). Then, the penitent believer must be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Baptism’s inherent union with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ produces “newness of life” (Rm. 6:3-4). Subsequently, as we walk in the light of His word we enjoy continual cleansing through His blood (1 Jn. 1:7). We are holy. We are saints.

Furthermore, there is no other access to the Father other than that which has been provided through Christ. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).

–Glen Elliott–