Responsibility of the Postulator for the Preparation of the Initial Phase of the Diocesan Inquiry in the Proceedings Canonization

Abstract

a The article discusses the responsibilities of a postulator in the initial stage of the preparation to the commencement of the canonization process. It is his responsibility to earnestly collect information about the candidate for sainthood, which would provide the moral certainty, to initiate the canonization proceedings by a competent bishop. Diocesan investigation is very important, since it decides on the next stages of the investigation and even about its final result. Therefore, it should be carefully prepared and conducted in according with the law. This article demonstrates the responsibilities and competences of a postulator, resulting from the Code of Canon Law, the Apostolic Constitution Divinus Perfectionis Magister, the Norms of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and the Instructions of Sanctorum Mater, issued by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which should be applied during the investigation conducted by the Bishop in the causes of saints.