Episode Overview

Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Episode: How Do People Become Saints? (Fr. Mike Explains the Canonization Process)
Date: September 6, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Theme:
In this engaging episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz demystifies the Catholic canonization process—the journey by which ordinary people are formally recognized as saints. Prompted by the upcoming canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Fr. Mike explains each step, highlights why sainthood resonates today, and reassures listeners that anyone can pursue holiness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recent Saints: The Inspiration of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati

• Fr. Mike opens by discussing why people are fascinated with Acutis and Frassati—both young, modern, relatable figures.
• Quote (00:36):

  "A saint is someone who says yes to God and just never stops saying yes. It's not a person who's perfect."

• Holiness isn’t perfection; it’s persistent faithfulness.

2. What Does Canonization Mean?

• The Church doesn’t “make” saints but declares someone as such—recognizing their heroic virtue and intercessory power in heaven.
• Quote (01:10):

  "The Church doesn't like, make saints. It simply declares a person to be a saint."

• Canonization affirms the person is in heaven and worthy of veneration.

3. The Four-Step Process of Becoming a Saint

A. Servant of God (01:35)

• Initiated five years posthumously, though this can be waived.
• Anyone can request an investigation, but only a bishop can formally submit the case.
• Example: Monsignor Bu from Fr. Mike’s diocese.
• Quote (02:10):

  "If that case is put forth and they're accepted immediately, that person is a servant of God."

B. Venerable (03:00)

• Vatican deeply investigates the candidate’s life for heroic virtue—previously with a “devil's advocate.”
• Approval by the Pope is required.
• Analogy: “Making it to the semifinals.”
• Example: Fulton Sheen is now Venerable.
• Quote (03:23):

  "Think of it as like making it to the semifinals... you made it pretty far."

C. Blessed (Beatification) (04:03)

• For non-martyrs: Requires one verified miracle attributed to their intercession.
• Martyrs skip the miracle requirement.
• Examples: Blessed Carlo Acutis, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
• Quote (04:33):

  "These are people who have one miracle attributed and verified to their intercession."

D. Saint (Canonization) (05:05)

• Non-martyrs need a second miracle for canonization.
• The Pope’s declaration extends their veneration to the universal Church.
• Examples: St. John Paul the Great, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
• Quote (05:28):

  "The whole universal church can say, okay, they're one of our own."

4. Why Does the Church Canonize Saints?

A. Holiness is Possible for All (05:50)

• Saints remind us that sainthood is attainable, even for “ordinary” people.
• Carlo Acutis and Frassati exemplify attainable holiness.
• Quote (06:07):

  "The canonization process reminds us that every person is called to be a saint. People just like us. God is made into saints."

B. The Communion of Saints (06:25)

• Saints are alive in Christ and can intercede for us.
• Fr. Mike likens their intercession to asking a holy loved one to pray for us.
• Quote (06:40):

  "We ask the holiest people we know of... for their prayers as well."

5. Everyone’s Called to Sainthood—No Matter Your Circumstances

• God calls people to sainthood in every walk of life, regardless of status, wounds, or personality.
• Powerful Quote (07:08):

  "You don't have to be perfect to be a saint. You just have to say yes. Because God wants you to be a saint. So just say yes and then keep saying yes."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Reflection (00:01):

  "To be the kind of person who dies saying no to God is the only real tragedy in life."

• On Ordinary Sainthood (06:13):

  "That doesn't mean you have to be canonized... the Lord wants you to be a saint in your life, in your neighborhood, in your situation..."

Important Timestamps

• 00:00-01:30 — Why we're talking about canonization; recent relatable saints.
• 01:35-02:35 — Step 1: "Servant of God" and opening of investigations.
• 03:00-03:50 — Step 2: Becoming "Venerable" and Vatican review.
• 04:03-05:00 — Step 3: Beatification and the role of miracles.
• 05:05-05:45 — Step 4: Canonization and universal veneration.
• 05:50-07:12 — Why canonize; the power of the communion of saints; universal call to holiness.

Final Takeaways

• Sainthood is less about perfection and more about continual surrender and faithfulness to God’s grace.
• The canonization process is thorough but fundamentally meant to inspire all Catholics towards holiness in their current stage and state of life.
• Saints—including the soon-to-be canonized Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati—serve both as intercessors and tangible reminders that greatness in faith is possible for everyone.

Fr. Mike’s Parting Words:

"You don't have to be perfect to be a saint. You just have to say yes. Because God wants you to be a saint. So just say yes and then keep saying yes." (07:08)