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What does BL mean in Catholic Church?

Published in Catholic Titles 2 mins read

In the Catholic Church, BL is an abbreviation that stands for Blessed.

Understanding "Bl." in Catholicism

The title "Blessed" (abbreviated as "Bl.") is given to individuals who have undergone the process of beatification. This is a significant step in the Catholic Church's path to canonization, which eventually leads to sainthood.

Key Aspects of the Title "Blessed"

  • Process of Beatification: Beatification is a declaration by the Church that a deceased person is considered to be in Heaven and is worthy of public veneration, typically within a specific diocese, region, or religious order. It requires proof of a miracle attributed to the person's intercession (unless they were a martyr).
  • Significance: Being declared "Blessed" confirms that the individual lived a life of heroic virtue, was a martyr for the faith, or offered their life for others, and is now interceding on behalf of the faithful from Heaven.
  • Usage: The abbreviation "Bl." is placed before the name of the individual. For instance, Bl. Carlo Acutis refers to the young Italian Catholic who was beatified in 2020.
  • Progression to Sainthood: While "Blessed" is a revered title, it is typically a preliminary step towards being declared a "Saint." For full canonization, usually a second miracle (after beatification) attributed to their intercession is required, at which point they would be declared a "Saint" and venerated universally.

Abbreviation Summary

To clarify the abbreviation:

Abbreviation Full Title Meaning
Bl. Blessed A title for individuals who have undergone beatification, signifying they are in Heaven and worthy of veneration.

The title "Blessed" acknowledges an individual's profound holiness and serves as an inspiration for the faithful, while also allowing for limited public veneration, typically at the local or regional level, or within a specific religious community.