A preliminary step toward canonization of a saint. It begins with an investigation of the candidate s life, writings and heroic practice of virtue, and, except in the case of martyrs, the certification of one miracle worked by God through his or her intercession. If the findings of the investigation so indicate, the pope decrees that the Servant of God may be called Blessed and may be honored locally or in a limited way in the liturgy.
Additional procedures lead to canonization.
The intuitive, immediate and direct vision and experience of God enjoyed in the light of glory by all the blessed in heaven. The vision is a supernatural mystery. Beatitudes are mentioned 26 times in the Psalms, and in other books of the Old Testament. The Beatitudes are of central importance in the teaching of Jesus. It is an expression of praise and thanks to God for sending John as a precursor of the Messiah.