The Virtue of Hope in Canonization Practice as One of the Essential Virtus In "Super Virtutibus" Processes
Szczepan Praśkiewicz
Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Rome , Polandhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-4103-0735
Abstract
After a concise outline of the current canonization process, with its four possible paths to being raised to the altars (martyrdom, heroic practice of virtue, voluntary self-giving, and approval of a cult that has existed since time immemorial), the author recalls that in each of these paths, though not always to the same degree, the practice of virtue is taken into account: in martyrs as further preparation for martyrdom; in those who voluntarily give their lives, as proof of their correct Christian life that led to this heroic decision; and in processes along the path of virtue, as the fundamental sine qua non criterion for establishing the perfection of their lives.
Next, drawing on statements from the Magisterium, the author clarifies the concept of the virtue of hope as one of the three theological virtues, which testifies to the exceptional trust in God of the candidate for sainthood and to their basing their life on God’s promises, even in the face of the most difficult trials. He emphasizes that in the canonization process, examining the virtue of hope is a key.
After a concise outline of the current canonization process, with its four possible paths to being raised to the altars (martyrdom, heroic practice of virtue, voluntary self-giving, and approval of a cult that has existed since time immemorial), the author recalls that in each of these paths, though not always to the same degree, the practice of virtue is taken into account: in martyrs as further preparation for martyrdom; in those who voluntarily give their lives, as proof of their correct Christian life that led to this heroic decision; and in processes along the path of virtue, as the fundamental sine qua non criterion for establishing the perfection of their lives. Next, drawing on statements from the Magisterium, the author clarifies the concept of the virtue of hope as one of the three theological virtues, which testifies to the exceptional trust in God of the candidate for sainthood and to their basing their life on God’s promises, even in the face of the most difficult trials. He emphasizes that in the canonization process, examining the virtue of hope is a key element, as it is linked to the hope of eternal life in heaven and complete trust in God’s help.
After explaining the canonical examination of candidates’ practice of the virtue of hope, the article presents this practice using the example of Father Aleksander Woźny (1910−1983) from Poznań, whose heroic virtues were confirmed by Pope Francis on December 17, 2022 when he granted him the title of Venerable Servant of God.
In the conclusion of the article, drawing on the process documentation of numerous candidates for sainthood, the author notes that hope was manifested in them, among other things, through: entrusting themselves to God’s will; accepting suffering and illness; persevering despite persecution; nourishing themselves with prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist; undertaking apostolate and serving others; building peace and reconciliation; daily optimism and a positive approach to life; a serene and confident expectation of death, seen as the final encounter with God and eternal life. Hope in the lives of candidates for the altars makes their prayer a school of hope, roots the Church’s pastors in Christ, transforms suffering into love and gives optimism, allows and helps them achieve victory in spiritual trials, and enables them to live everyday life with simplicity and humility, and above all, in boundless trust in Providence.
Keywords:
heroic virtues, canonical examination, theological assessment, Fr. Aleksander WoźnyReferences
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
