The invitation of Christ to “come and follow me” is also extended to men and women throughout the ages. Many have followed Him more closely and have given outstanding testimony of the kingdom of heaven by shedding their blood or practicing the virtues in an heroic manner. These are the heroes of holiness who the Church offer to us as models for those who follow Christ. After the necessary investigations, the Holy Father designates these holy men and women as “Blessed” allowing the faithful the privilege og giving appropriate devotion and also permitting the same in the universal Church.

At present, the processes in favor of beatification or canonization are governed by a special legislation contained in apostolic Constitution Divinus perfectionis Magister (January 25, 1983) and the Normae servandae in Inquisitionis ab Episcopis faciendis in Causis Santorum (March 21, 1983). The new legislation has simplified the process while maintaining the rigor of the investigation which is applied in a judicial manner.

The process in favor of beatification or canonization begins in the diocese where the servant of God died or spent the major part of his or her life. The bishop establishes a tribunal to investigate concerning the life, virtues or martyrdom of the candidate for beatification and concerning the fame of sanctity of the candidate before or after his or her death. The proofs derived from testimonies and documents are gathered together and sent to the Congregation for the Saints in Rome. The Congregation studies the acts of the processes in order to see that all has been done according to the law and that all documents relative to the case have been presented to the Congregation. Once the process has been declared valid a “relator” is named for the purposes of preparing a Positio or dossier which should contain a documented biography of the servant of God and the demonstration of his heroic virtues and fame of sanctity.

First a group of theologians and, afterwards the cardinals and bishops, give their opinions concerning the virtues. It is done in a juridical manner and is presented to the Holy Father so that he might judge with reference to the heroic virtues, the martyrdom or the presumed miracle.

Among the members of the AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECT FAMILY two have been canonized, St. Ezekiel Moreno and St. Magdalena of Nagasaki; 11 have been declared martyrs; Francisco of Jesus, Vincent of St. Anthony, Martin of St. Nicholas, Melchor of St. Augustine, Vincent Soler of St. Louis Gonzaga, Deogracias Palacios of St. Augustine, Leo inchausti of the Virgin of the Rosary, Jose Rada of Our Lady of Sorrows, Vincent Pinilla of St. Louis Gonzaga, Julian Benigno Moreno of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, and Josefa Maria of the Purification, Two religious have also been beatified, Sr. Ines Josefa Maria of Beniganim and Maria of St. Joseph; one, Sister Monica of Jesus has been declared Venerable.

Other causes are in diocesan process or have been presented to the Congregation for Saints by the General Postulator for study. These causes are:
Mother Mariana of St. Joseph (1568-1638).
Mother Isabel of the Mother of God (1614-1687).
Mother Antonia of Jesus (1612-1695).
Mother Dionisia of St. Mary Talangpaz (1691-1731)
Mother Cecilia Rose of Jesus Talangpaz (1693-1732)
Bishop Ignatius Martinez (1902-1942)
Father Jenaro Fernandez (1909-1972)
Father Mariano Gazpio (1899-1989)
Bishop Alphonse Gallegos (1931-1991)
Sor Cleusa Carolina Rody Coelho (1933-1985)
Mother Esperanza Ayerbe (1890-1967)
Simi Cohen -María Dolores of God's Love- (1801-1887)