The word "CANON" comes from the greek word "KANON" meaning a standard or measuring rod.

The custom of canonization began in the early church by popular acclimation. Hence the custom of calling all the apostles "SAINTS". Being titled a saint declares that the individual lived a holy life, is in heaven, and is to be honored by the universal Church. Canonization does not make an individual a saint but it does recognize that God has already made that individual a saint.

Christians were honoring other Christians who had died and were asking for their intercessions around 100 A.D. This is contrary to the belief of many people that the Church set-up this practice later in its existance. The first saints were those who had given up their lives for their Faith, martyrs.

The Roman Catholic Church since the 10th century has officially applied the standard of holiness of life to certain individuals who lived exemplary Christian lives and through a lengthy process of prayer and study have declared that the individual is in heaven.

After the death of an individual, who may be a candidate, the local bishop and a panel of theologians at the Vatican and cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints investigates their life for martyrdom. After their approval the pope proclaims the candidate "venerable."

Since miracles are considered proof that an individual is in heaven and can intercede for us. Evidence of one miracle is required for beatification. The miracle must take place after the individual's death and be the result of a specific petition to that individual. In the case of martyrs the evidence of a miracle is not required for beatification. The pope then proclaims the individual, " beatified or blessed".

There is a requirement of evidence for one more miracle of this individual before the pope will canonize the saint. Martyrs are also required evidence for one miracle before the pope will canonize.

Contrary to the belief of some, the Church does not create saints, but simply applies the standard of gospel holiness to those that God permits the Church to know who is in heaven with him. One principle way for God to affirm the presence of an individual in heaven with Him is through the performance of miracles through the intercession of that person.