Expert: Sal - 12/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: how the church declares that the saints went to heaven?

ANSWER: Dear Arun:

If it is judged by a panel composed of theologians and cardinals that a candidate for sainthood lived a holy life then the pope proclaims the candidate "venerable". Next if a miracle can be attributed to the candidate's intercession after the candidate's death he is declared "blessed". Finally, if a second miracle can be attributed to the candidate's intercession he is declared a saint.

Best wishes,
Sal

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: how the theologians and cardinals decide that the person lived holy life?

is intercession is done for to declare them as saints?

miracles happend elsewhere when prayed to resting souls?

intercession is strictly needed?

if a person is non-catholic christian will enter into heaven?

without praying to mary and saints we cannot interceed to god?  

Answer
Dear Arun:

The panel called the Congregation for Cause of Saints investigates how this person lived his life. They read all his writings and speak to persons that knew the candidate.

Non-Catholics do enter heaven.

I'm not sure about the rest of your questions.

Good Day,
Sal