Monday, May 2, 2011

Why it's called Beatification/Canonization and not Worship

Last May 1, 2011, The Catholic Church has beatified Pope John Paul II as a recognition that he has lived an exemplary life for Catholics to imitate.

It is not for the purpose of worshiping him,but rather, it is for the purpose of the people to always remember his living examples on how to follow Christ. The Church has always believed that after this life, the souls go to heaven when they have lived a perfect life. Pope John Paul II does not seek self glorification through this, that is why it is useless for people to get angry at him for being beatified.

The purpose for this is to show the people still living on Earth that this is how one should live life since we believe in the communication with the saints. And since we believe that Pope John Paul II is in heaven, and that he is alive in heaven, we understand that he could pray for us from there, thus the 'intercession' is in progress.

I feel sad that most Catholics have lost their faith in the Church and the shepherds of the church, i.e., the priests and bishops and the pope because of the numerous scandals inside the Church. But we must refrain from judging others and see when is authentic holiness.

The Church had been tarnished with scandals and abuses, but we must always hope that there are people who honestly lead a holy life. Once we believe that there are such people, only then can we follow Christ and be holy ourselves.

Beatification is NOT worshiping! It is only Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity that the Catholic worship and nothing else!

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