CANONIZATION – The ceremony by which a deceased Christian is declared by the Church to be regarded as a saint. The word canonization means that a Christian has been found worthy to have his name placed in the canon (list) of saints of the Church. This canon is read during the services of the Church. Every day in the calendar year is dedicated to a group of saints whose names are remembered by the people of God.
At the same time, when a Christian’s name has been included in the canon of saints, it is a sign that the Church encourages the faithful to ask that saint for his prayers before God. Services may be specially composed in the saint’s honor and celebrated in the churches by the Church, the people of God.