Do you know the difference between a “Blessed” and a “Saint?”
Two holy men of Holy Cross have special days this month. January contains the feast days of St. Andre Bessette (Jan. 6) and Blessed Basil Moreau (Jan. 20). While they both have feast days, each one carries a slightly different title, one “Blessed” and one “Saint.” What is the difference?
There are many stages in the progression toward being recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint. When the cause is first taken up, the individual receives the title “Servant of God.” There are three Holy Cross Servants of God (Bishop Theotonius Ganguly, Br. Flavian Laplante, C.S.C., and Bishop Vincent McCauley). When the life of the individual has been reviewed and it is clear that it was one of heroic virtue, the title received is “Venerable.” Holy Cross has Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. Next, when a miracle is able to be attributed to the intercession of that person, it is seen as a confirmation of their presence in heaven and they are named “Blessed.” This is the stage where we find the founder of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau. The title “Saint” comes after a second miracle is attributed to the person’s intercession and they are seen as someone to hold up as a witness for the universal Church. This is where we find Saint Andre Bessette, the humble brother from Montreal (pictured above).
Learn more about these holy religious of Holy Cross here: http://www.holycrosscongregation.org/holy-ones/.