This is a comprehensive and fascinating account of Canonisation. It deals both with the meaning of beatification and canonisation, and the practical process by which this is undertaken by the Church, and how that has changed over time.
The historical survey is very valuable. Starting from the earliest times, and canonisation by acclamation, ratified by the local bishop, it traces the development of the process over the centuries.
There are several major periods to consider: the early Church, up to the 4th century; the period from 313 to 1643, when the Pope took much more responsibility for the process – though still drawing on the local church, of course; the 1640s to the 1930s; modern times: 1900 – 1983; and the period from 1983 to now, including the reforms of Popes John Paul ll and Benedict XVl.
The book also touches on the meaning of beatification and canonisation, and the differences between the two, and on the enduring need for miracles, as well as the biblical foundation of asking others to pray for us, on which the cult of the saints is based.
The only thing that detracts from this book (as I have had occasion to remark before about other CTS publications) is that it needed some good editing.
The chronology I outlined above is a lot clearer than the booklet contrives to make it, where aspects of later changes keep intruding into the story earlier on: as witnessed by the chapter headings where one chapter ends in the 1930s and the next begins in the 1900s.
I really value the CTS and the work they do – and of course I am hugely grateful for the vast number of review copies of books which they send me – but how I wish they could ensure that books are read by a skilled editor before publication…
Nonetheless, if you are prepared to wrap a wet towel around your head and work through the chronological backsteps and jumps, this is very informative and well worth reading.
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