potest ad solemnem V.S.D.N.
beatificationem_). In the ceremony of beatification the essential part
consists in the reading of the pontifical brief, placing the Venerable
in the rank of the Blessed, which is done during a solemn mass,
celebrated with special rites in the great hall above the vestibule of
the basilica of St Peter.

The process of canonization, which follows that of beatification, is
usually less lengthy. It consists principally in the discussion of the
miracles (usually two in number) obtained by the intercession of the
Blessed since the decree of beatification. After a great number of
formalities and prayers, the pope pronounces the sentence, and indicates
eventually the day on which he will proceed to the ceremony of
canonization, which takes place with great solemnity in the basilica of
St Peter.

The extremely complicated procedure which is prescribed for the conduct
of the cases in order to ensure every opportunity for exercising rigour
and discretion, considerably retards the progress of the causes, and
necessitates a numerous staff. This circumstance, together with the
custom of ornamenting the basilica of St Peter very richly on the day of
the ceremony, accounts for the considerable cost which a canonization
entails. To prevent abuses, a minute tariff of expenses was drawn up
during the pontificate of Leo XIII.

The Greek Church, represented by the patriarch of Constantinople, and
the Russian Church, represented by the Holy Synod, also canonize their
saints after a preliminary examination of their titles to public
_cultus_. Their procedure is less rigorous than that of the Roman
Church, and as yet has been but imperfectly studied.

See J. Fontanini, _Codex Constitutionum quas summi pontifices
ediderunt in solemni canonizatione sanctorum_ (Rome, 1729, a
collection of original documents); Pr. Lambertini (Pope Benedict
XIV.), _De servorum Dei beatificatione et beatorum canonizatione_
(Bologna, 1734-1738), several times reprinted, and more remarkable for
erudition and knowledge of canon law than for historical criticism;
Al. Lauri, _Codex pro postulatoribus causarum beatificationis et
canonizationis, recognovit Joseph Fornari_ (Romae, 1899); F.W. Faber,
_Essay on Beatification, Canonization, &c._ (London, 1848); A.
Boudinhon, _Les Proces de beatification et de canonisation_ (Paris,
1905); E. Golubinskij, _Istorija Kanonizacii sviatich v russko j
cerkvi_ (Moscow, 1903).