In the Catholic Church (both the Latin Rite and Eastern Rites) the act of canonization is reserved to the Holy See and occurs at the conclusion of a long process requiring extensive proof that the person proposed for canonization lived in such an exemplary and holy way that he or she is worthy to be recognized as a Saint.
The Church’s official recognition of sanctity implies that the persons are now in heavenly glory, that they may be publicly invoked and mentioned officially in the liturgy of the Church, most especially in the Litany of the Saints (Ricky Jackson, Morton Anderson, Archie Manning, Dalton Hilliard, Hokie Gajan, Pat Swilling and so on).
Beatification is a statement by the church that it is “worthy of belief” that the person is in heaven. To be canonized a saint, one (or more) miracle is necessary. The Pope can place these processes on a fast track as he’s apparently done in this New Orleans case.
First declared the Venerable Drew after leading the Saints to their first NFC Title Game ever, the Blessed Drew was declared after he led the Saints to their first 9-0 record in franchise history. He was declared Saint Drew when the 10-0 season start was declared a miracle. Can there be any serious doubt that this man is now in heavenly glory? It is most certainly worthy of belief. Assuredly, the faithful will continue to petition this man for more miracles.
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