The Social Value of Canonization on the Example of the Case of Anna Jenke (1921-1976)

Abstract

The Church does not make all those people saints whose life was saint, but only those who are a good example to follow in the modern world. Hence the Church wants to make such personalities prominent whose charisma may be a challenge for a modern man to follow Christ; who may arouse enthusiasm of faith and give an example of love towards one’s neighbour. John Paul II’s legislation concerning the problems of canonization passed in 1983 requires that the postulator - before he makes a decision about stating the case - should give the bishop the reasons that seem to speak for taking it (Ap. Const. Divinus perfectionis Magister of 25 January, n. 2,1). Norms issued on the basis of this Constitution also require the postulator (cf. n. 3b) to be convinced that the case has an “ecclesial value” (momentum ecciesiale). The "ecclesial value” is exactly the same as social value, i.e. social effect of the case on contemporary people. The author presents the essence of this value by analysing a particular case of God’s servant Anna Jenke who, being a teacher, Polish philologist and school master, was able to put into effect sainthood under the conditions of "real socialism”. Joining lay involvement and high professionalism with deep faith and apostolate in such an important field as teaching and educating the young generation at such a difficult time for the Church and society of believers, is exactly the essential ecclesial value of the expected beatification of Anna Jenke. Each postulation starting the canonizing procedure in a diocese should first consider if the given case is topical for the contemporary task of the Church in the world.