The influence of the opinion of the experts examining the alleged miracle on making the decision by the diocesan bishop to initiate canonization proceedings Cover Image

Wpływ opinii biegłych badających domniemany cud na podjęcie decyzji biskupa diecezjalnego o wszczęciu postępowania kanonizacyjnego
The influence of the opinion of the experts examining the alleged miracle on making the decision by the diocesan bishop to initiate canonization proceedings

Author(s): Tomasz Karpeta
Subject(s): Canon Law / Church Law, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne »Adalbertinum«
Keywords: beatification; canonization; experts; review experts;

Summary/Abstract: Every beatification, especially every canonization inevitably entails the absoluteness of the papal primacy, mainly his infallibility. From the early years of the Church, there has been a strong correlation between recognizing the holiness of candidates’ life and recognizing the signs of God performed after the candidates’ death. And so it is up to this day. A miracle, consequently, being the evidence in the canonization law, is also the subject of proving. Therefore,before any miracle is announced, it is necessary to first prove it, in order to obtain an absolute moral certainty about the authenticity of the particular phenomena, which is alleged to exceed the laws of nature. This is why the expert witnesses are appointed, to analyze an alleged miracle in solely human terms and give the final opinion about its authenticity. Such proving begins on premises of the diocese, where the miracle was alleged, and then the investigation proceeds to the Congregation premises, where further consultations are being held.

  • Issue Year: 19/2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 165-174
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Polish