In response to the universal call of the Church to holiness, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi, today, Monday, November 9, 2026, led a catechetical session at Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Bokwango, on the topic, “What Does It Take for the Canonization of a Saint?”
Bishop Bibi During Catechesis
The local ordinary noted that, the exist four major stages to canonization which include Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed through beatification, and finally, Sainthood through canonization. He described canonization as the Church’s highest formal recognition of a person’s holiness. The prelate equally clarified that many holy men and women live exemplary Christian lives without necessarily being formally canonized or publicly recognised as saints by the Church.
Cross section of faithful during catechesis
The Chief Shepherd further reiterated that holiness cannot be separated from communion with Christ and His Church, noting that it is manifested through consistent Christian living. He emphasised that holiness goes beyond acts of charity, encompassing the entirety of one’s relationship with God and commitment to living according to the Christian faith. He therefore reminded the faithful that life itself is a gift from God, urging them to make it meaningful by pursuing holiness in their daily actions and interactions with others.
The catechesis offered the faithful a deeper understanding of the Church’s teaching on holiness, the meaning of sainthood and the process through which individuals are formally recognised and declared saints. It equally highlighted the universal call to holiness, encouraging Christians to embrace lives of faith, prayer, charity and selfless service while drawing inspiration from the virtues and exemplary lives of the saints. Through their examples, the faithful were reminded that holiness is not reserved for a select few but is a calling that every Christian is invited to pursue in daily life.