If she were a great person, the government of India does not need to wait till Vatican officially approves her spiritual merits.
There is nothing official about spiritualism. But organized religions always swear by one supreme “spiritual” commander. Others are just “members” or “followers”. Members of the Churches always look forward to their commander’s orders on everything, as Muslims also do.
Canonization is an administrative decision of Vatican. Last Pope canonized more number of persons than the total figure “achieved” by all the popes in the history put together! He even canonized known criminals as it was a political exercise.
Pope John Paul II, who was known as "saint-making pope", abolished the post of devil's advocte and eased the process of saint-making by amending Vatican's all relevant laws.
One's spiritual progress has nothing to do with bureaucratic approvals. Do you need someone to declare whether your devotion to god is genuine or not?
Incidentally, how many popes are "saints"? But they have the power to bestow "Sainthood" to others!
To thrive, Christianity (Churchianity) needs official saints! Church grows by invoking their names.
For the last five years how many Hindu Saints have found place on Indian coins?
One should ask Sonia Gandhi.
© G. ANIL KUMAR 2008
