Who SHOULD be a saint?

Along with Thomas Merton, I certainly do think that Fr. Waltar Ciszek, SJ, should be made a saint. I first learned about the Jesus Prayer from Fr. Ciszek's book 'The Way of A Pilgrim & The Pilgrim Continues His Ways'. Later I read another classic on the Jesus Prayer which was 'The Way of the Pilgrim' which was written by an anonymous Russian peasant in the 19th century. The classic wording of the Jesus Prayer is 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner'. Some shorten this prayer and simply say 'Lord Jesus' or 'Jesus' or whatever. Its constant repetition is one of the oldest and most respected forms a ceaseless prayer in the Christian tradition. It is one of preferred ways to pray. I would like to see Monseñor Oscar Romero made a saint.

Dear Andy, 'Servant of God' is the first step, for someone whose cause is under official 'investigation.' When the decree of a life of 'heroic sanctity' is issued, the person becomes 'Venerable.' At least that's how it was once explained to me. The best book on all this, by the way is still Ken Woodward's 'Making Saints.' Second, I believe that Pius XII is a 'Servant of God,' not yet beatified, which is what the pope referred to recently. But I think it's just a matter of time.

What a good article, with a couple of great quips from you! I do pray that Thomas Merton will one day be counted among the canonized in the Church. I know the Holy Spirit spoke to me through his spiritual autobiography, which solidified my decision to become a Catholic. I know of many others who've said the same thing. I'm not entirely familiar with the end of his life and his apparent attraction to Eastern religions, but the impact of his early years is undeniable. I would add to the list Father Walter Ciszek, SJ, for his courageous witness to Christ as a prisoner in the Soviet Union. And also, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, the Carmelite Nun who was a contemporary of St. Therese.

Quick question(s) on this very interesting article. I was always under the impression that Servant of God is a title bestowed on those who are Venerable. This piece made it appear that it precedes it. If that is true, what merits a person moving from the former to the latter? What is the difference between them since miracles aren't required til beatification? Secondly, and correspondingly, the article says Pius XII is Venerable, but the response of the Vatican spokesperson last week to Fr. Gumpel states that the Pope has not yet signed the declaration that would cause this. So is Pius a Servant of God? Or still just Pius?

The three that I was most hoping would be on the list were included, Dorothy Day, Archbishop Romero, and Thomas Merton. I know all three will take some time, if they ever are recognized, because of political reasons, and that is sad. But all three are deserving. I love both Boenhoffer and King, but for obvious reasons they will never be canonized. Of course that does not mean they are not in heaven, I would imagine that both are, but despite their extraordinary virtue, they were still ultimately heretics, and that makes them impossible to be set forth as example of saints. I love them both dearly, and have relied on both of their writings, but obviously they cannot be canonized saints.

My hopes for Gerard Manley Hopkins have been revived by Ron Hansen's beautiful novel, "Exiles."