This one I think is rather easy. Make her be killed by a Muslim rigth before or after the Conquest of Granada, or by a Jew after ordering the expulsion. She would be seen as a martyr.
AHC: Alternate Saints
- Thread starter ArchimedesCircle
- Start date
They've been working on that one for awhile and it still could happen. Just google Isabel of Castile and canonization. She's already cleared the first hurdle and is regarded as a "Servant of God" by the RCC (which means her cause has been opened).
Alfred the Great is a good one. I'm really surprised there was never a canonization process for him or that no English king instigated it. He was known to be very devout, devoted to the Holy See (even doing a pilgrimage to Rome) and was the father of his country (and the ancestor of almost every single English monarch since).
Henry VI probably would be some step in the canonization process, if not a full blown saint, if the Tudors had stayed Catholic. Having him sanctified was a pet project of Henry VII.
Catherine of Aragon, in her lifetime many Catholics on the Continent and in England regarded as a saint for all she went through. If there hadn't been politics involved I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't canonized with More and Fisher.
If Jane Grey is an Anglican saint, then Mary, Queen of Scots (who certainly met her death with as much courage as her cousin, Jane) as a Catholic martyr? Though in reality they were both killed for politics first and foremost.
There were attempts to have Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette declared martyrs by the Pope after the Bourbon Restoration and a more serious cause (and probably more warranted) for Madame Elisabeth. I'd also personally add the Princess de Lamballe (known to be personally kind and also generous to the poor) and the Dauphin, Louis XVII, both of whose deaths showed the worst excesses of the Revolution. If the Bourbon Restoration had survived it could have happened (at least with Madame Elisabeth - she like Isabel of Castile - is a "Servant of God" with an open sainthood cause - her sister Queen Marie Clotilde of Savoy is already a "Venerable" in OTL)
I'd throw in Prince Cahn of Vietnam, who had he lived to become Emperor might have been the Stephen of Hungary of that country in terms of spreading the faith. His French mentor, Pierre Pigneau de Behaine almost certainly would be regarded as a saint if that had occurred.
A personal favorite is not James II but his wife Mary of Modena (who had wanted to be a nun but was married off to the much older James for political reasons). She was pretty much loved by everyone in the French court when they fled there (especially Louis XIV in a platonic way) and was regarded as a living saint of goodness.
St. Judas
The early church viewed Judas purely as a traitor and managed to almost completely suppress the then-heretical text known as the 'gospel of Judas' (though, technically, it was not a gospel, as 'gospel' refers to the good news of Jesus' resurrection and the text finishes before this). It was during the reign of Pope Julius II that it came to light again, dramatically. This was a time when the papacy and the majority of cardinals were more concerned with the acquisition of wealth and power than the spiritual well-being of the church. The calls for reform were increasing and the college of cardinals sought some way to deal with this, without losing their own influence and wealth. One of them, involved with the expansion of the Vatican library, discovered the gospel of Judas. Reading it, he saw that it could be read as meaning that Judas had been commanded by Jesus to take money for betraying him. This idea, that taking money for doing something sinful could actually be a virtue, was just what the mammon-obsessed leaders of the church wanted. Within the year, the gospel of Judas had been published as an authorised part of church canon. It wasn't long after this that someone suggested that since Judas had been chosen by Christ, he, like the other apostles, should really be recognised as a saint. The fact that this would allow his feast day to be dedicated to making money resulted in his canonisation in 1507, less than two years after the 'miraculous discovery' of the gospel. His feast day was chosen as 18th August, which is thought to have influenced Julius II's agreement, as this was the date on which his hated predecessor Alexander VI had died. Though controversial, his canonisation has been never been rescinded by the church and he is still, officially, known as 'St. Judas' - though seldom now referred to as such.
Edited for typo.
The early church viewed Judas purely as a traitor and managed to almost completely suppress the then-heretical text known as the 'gospel of Judas' (though, technically, it was not a gospel, as 'gospel' refers to the good news of Jesus' resurrection and the text finishes before this). It was during the reign of Pope Julius II that it came to light again, dramatically. This was a time when the papacy and the majority of cardinals were more concerned with the acquisition of wealth and power than the spiritual well-being of the church. The calls for reform were increasing and the college of cardinals sought some way to deal with this, without losing their own influence and wealth. One of them, involved with the expansion of the Vatican library, discovered the gospel of Judas. Reading it, he saw that it could be read as meaning that Judas had been commanded by Jesus to take money for betraying him. This idea, that taking money for doing something sinful could actually be a virtue, was just what the mammon-obsessed leaders of the church wanted. Within the year, the gospel of Judas had been published as an authorised part of church canon. It wasn't long after this that someone suggested that since Judas had been chosen by Christ, he, like the other apostles, should really be recognised as a saint. The fact that this would allow his feast day to be dedicated to making money resulted in his canonisation in 1507, less than two years after the 'miraculous discovery' of the gospel. His feast day was chosen as 18th August, which is thought to have influenced Julius II's agreement, as this was the date on which his hated predecessor Alexander VI had died. Though controversial, his canonisation has been never been rescinded by the church and he is still, officially, known as 'St. Judas' - though seldom now referred to as such.
Edited for typo.
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St. Muhammad bin Abdullah Shaybah Abdul Muttalim al-Hashim
Feast Day: 12th of May (12th Khuwan - date of birth)
Venerated in:
Neo-Donatist Church, Mozarabic Church of Morocco and the Sahara, Ebionite Church of Arabia (as the Last and Most Important Prophet of Allah), Hadhramic Church, Coptic Church, Nubian Church, Church of Bejastan, Nestorian Church (optional/occasional)
Born to an important Meccan family in AD 570, Muhammad converted to Ebionite Christianity as the result of his exposure to the group during one of his camel trading. He was said to received a message from angel Gabriel that he was the Last Prophet of Allah during a caravan to the north of Hejaz, thus he compiled the writings of earlier Ebionite writers and combined it with his own teachings to form the Quran, the Ebionite Bible. In summary, he transformed Ebionitism from a minor Jewish Christian sect to a major religion that unified the Arab tribes both through conversion and war; in fact, he was recognized as the first Patriarch of Arabia (Caliph). The veneration of Muhammad as a saint spread to other religion as waves of Arab invasion/migration spread out throughout the Middle East and North Africa; as the succeeding generations being assimilated to the local population, the veneration of St. Muhammad was incorporated to both contemporary (e.g. Coptic Church) and syncretic churches (e.g. Mozarabic and neo-Donatist churches)
Feast Day: 12th of May (12th Khuwan - date of birth)
Venerated in:
Neo-Donatist Church, Mozarabic Church of Morocco and the Sahara, Ebionite Church of Arabia (as the Last and Most Important Prophet of Allah), Hadhramic Church, Coptic Church, Nubian Church, Church of Bejastan, Nestorian Church (optional/occasional)
Born to an important Meccan family in AD 570, Muhammad converted to Ebionite Christianity as the result of his exposure to the group during one of his camel trading. He was said to received a message from angel Gabriel that he was the Last Prophet of Allah during a caravan to the north of Hejaz, thus he compiled the writings of earlier Ebionite writers and combined it with his own teachings to form the Quran, the Ebionite Bible. In summary, he transformed Ebionitism from a minor Jewish Christian sect to a major religion that unified the Arab tribes both through conversion and war; in fact, he was recognized as the first Patriarch of Arabia (Caliph). The veneration of Muhammad as a saint spread to other religion as waves of Arab invasion/migration spread out throughout the Middle East and North Africa; as the succeeding generations being assimilated to the local population, the veneration of St. Muhammad was incorporated to both contemporary (e.g. Coptic Church) and syncretic churches (e.g. Mozarabic and neo-Donatist churches)
To distinguish him from other Saints called Amadeus, he'd have 'the Hashemite' or 'of Mecca' as appellations.
St. Louis the Martyr. During the Restoration, King Louis XVIII repeatedly petitioned the Pope to declare his predecessor a martyr on behalf of God's appointed royal order. Also, he reminded him, the Revolution had overthrown Papal authority in the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, and the King had objected, so wasn't he also a defender of the faith? Just before Louis XVIII's death, the new deeply-conservative Pope Leo XII granted his wish.
The_Last_Plantagenet
Donor
Saint Henry, Cardinal-King of England?
His father and Brothers survives longer than OTL, allowing him to become a powerful part of the Roman Catholic church. He succeeds his father, Henry VII, and is succeeded by his Nephew, Henry IX.
His father and Brothers survives longer than OTL, allowing him to become a powerful part of the Roman Catholic church. He succeeds his father, Henry VII, and is succeeded by his Nephew, Henry IX.
Saint Attila, the Sword of God
Attila the Hun is revered among a much more masochistic church, declaring that Attila truly was a holy warrior sent by God to punish the world for their sins, along with fighting off the heretical and pagan Germans trying to destroy the empire. The legend of the Pope meeting Attila and convincing him to turn away from his conquest of Rome would be used as proof that Attila was actually friendly with the church, just trying to slay those people who in these darkest times would turn their backs on God, when it is in fact these very times one should be turning to him.
Attila the Hun is revered among a much more masochistic church, declaring that Attila truly was a holy warrior sent by God to punish the world for their sins, along with fighting off the heretical and pagan Germans trying to destroy the empire. The legend of the Pope meeting Attila and convincing him to turn away from his conquest of Rome would be used as proof that Attila was actually friendly with the church, just trying to slay those people who in these darkest times would turn their backs on God, when it is in fact these very times one should be turning to him.
A simple alternate canonization would be that of Stefan Dušan.
OTL, he is the only Nemanjić that has ruled Serbia but has not be canonized a saint. Even his son was canonized! Now, there are a multitude of reasons why this is, since the church itself has never truly commented on this. While we know that his father, previous king Stefan Uroš III Dečanski, died by strangulation during his imprisonment at the Fortress at Zvečan, there are those that say that it was Dušan himself who strangled his father to death, thus making him a patricider. Pressure from the Ecumenical Patriarch over the fact that Dušan used a loophole to let his wife into Mount Athos during an outbreak of the plague, or the fact that he rose the Serbian Archbishop to the rank of Patriarch without the Ecumenical Patriarch's permission, may also be reasons why the Serbian Orthodox Church had avoided canonizing the successful emperor. His discussions with the Pope about formally accepting Papal primacy (to neutralize the Hungarian threat to the north and to be allowed to lead a crusade against the Turks) could also be a reason, though a weak one since Stefan Nemanjić II the First-Crowned used the Pope in order to elevate himself from a Grand Prince to a King.
If the patricide rumors are gotten rid of in any way, a much more successful Stefan Dušan could've seen himself be canonized a saint after his death.
OTL, he is the only Nemanjić that has ruled Serbia but has not be canonized a saint. Even his son was canonized! Now, there are a multitude of reasons why this is, since the church itself has never truly commented on this. While we know that his father, previous king Stefan Uroš III Dečanski, died by strangulation during his imprisonment at the Fortress at Zvečan, there are those that say that it was Dušan himself who strangled his father to death, thus making him a patricider. Pressure from the Ecumenical Patriarch over the fact that Dušan used a loophole to let his wife into Mount Athos during an outbreak of the plague, or the fact that he rose the Serbian Archbishop to the rank of Patriarch without the Ecumenical Patriarch's permission, may also be reasons why the Serbian Orthodox Church had avoided canonizing the successful emperor. His discussions with the Pope about formally accepting Papal primacy (to neutralize the Hungarian threat to the north and to be allowed to lead a crusade against the Turks) could also be a reason, though a weak one since Stefan Nemanjić II the First-Crowned used the Pope in order to elevate himself from a Grand Prince to a King.
If the patricide rumors are gotten rid of in any way, a much more successful Stefan Dušan could've seen himself be canonized a saint after his death.
My personal favourite is James II. He has been incredibly mistreated by historians; even for the more progressively inclined historian, the Declaration of Indulgence was a tremendous triumph for freedom of conscience which would be unmatched for almost two hundred years in England. He is perfect for inclusion in Catholic hagiographical works; womanising heretic discovers the Faith, converts, loses everything for it, and dies in grace and at peace. His story is a terrible tragedy, but James himself was not too bitter about his situation. If it hadn't been for the duty he felt to his son and his rights, I have little doubt that he would have required to one of the monasteries which he frequented.
If the Stuart's had kept the throne or been restored, I could see Dom John Huddlestone being sponsored for sainthood. He sheltered King Charles II during his flight to France, and later confirmed him on his deathbed. Perhaps some day he could have come to be seen as the patron protector of the royal house.
I would have loved to see Margaret Pole canonised (someday, perhaps!). People have mentioned Katherine of Aragon (who deserves sainthood), but Margaret Pole suffered far more in defence of her faith, her queen, and her princess, and was undoubtedly a martyr.
I have always found Marie Julie Jahenny rather fascinating as a mystic. Perhaps a world where the Count of Chambord was restored to the throne might have seen her canonised as a prophet of the Second Restoration. Her visions were declared true by the Bishop of Nantes, and she's still venerated by traditionalists in France.
I was always a little surprised that Urban II was never canonised by a crusade-enthused later Pontiff. For that matter, I'm surprised that Godfrey of Bouillon wasn't.
Pius IX would have been canonised in the first half of the 20th century were it not for other Popes continually closing his case.
People have mentioned Blessed Karl; I have even more of a soft spot for the Empress Zita, who was by all accounts a holy mystic of a woman.
It would be interesting to see Prince Philip's mother Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark (princess, nun, and righteous among the gentiles) canonised by the Greek Orthodox Church.
A few PODs could produce a world that has St Grigori the Healer... better known as Rasputin.
Another interesting little tidbit; Alexei Trupp and Catherine Schneider, two of the Romanov servants murdered at Ekaterinberg, were canonised by the ROCOR in 1981. This could pass without comment, but for the fact that Trupp was Catholic and Schneider was Lutheran; that's right, there is a Lutheran saint in the Orthodox Church!
If the Stuart's had kept the throne or been restored, I could see Dom John Huddlestone being sponsored for sainthood. He sheltered King Charles II during his flight to France, and later confirmed him on his deathbed. Perhaps some day he could have come to be seen as the patron protector of the royal house.
I would have loved to see Margaret Pole canonised (someday, perhaps!). People have mentioned Katherine of Aragon (who deserves sainthood), but Margaret Pole suffered far more in defence of her faith, her queen, and her princess, and was undoubtedly a martyr.
I have always found Marie Julie Jahenny rather fascinating as a mystic. Perhaps a world where the Count of Chambord was restored to the throne might have seen her canonised as a prophet of the Second Restoration. Her visions were declared true by the Bishop of Nantes, and she's still venerated by traditionalists in France.
I was always a little surprised that Urban II was never canonised by a crusade-enthused later Pontiff. For that matter, I'm surprised that Godfrey of Bouillon wasn't.
Pius IX would have been canonised in the first half of the 20th century were it not for other Popes continually closing his case.
People have mentioned Blessed Karl; I have even more of a soft spot for the Empress Zita, who was by all accounts a holy mystic of a woman.
It would be interesting to see Prince Philip's mother Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark (princess, nun, and righteous among the gentiles) canonised by the Greek Orthodox Church.
A few PODs could produce a world that has St Grigori the Healer... better known as Rasputin.
Another interesting little tidbit; Alexei Trupp and Catherine Schneider, two of the Romanov servants murdered at Ekaterinberg, were canonised by the ROCOR in 1981. This could pass without comment, but for the fact that Trupp was Catholic and Schneider was Lutheran; that's right, there is a Lutheran saint in the Orthodox Church!
St. Erzsébet Báthory of Hungary, the Slayer of the Turks, Patron Saint of Female Warriors, Surgeons, Barbers, and Transylvania.
In this TL, the 'Blood Countess' channeled her psychosis into becoming a Joan of Arc figure, who led armies against the vile Turk, killing thousands of them, even beheading Selim the Sot in combat, breaking the back of the Ottoman Empire.
The Catholic Church made her a Saint with surprising swiftness after her death, rumors state that they were so terrified of her memory they said she was in heaven to keep her from seizing control of hell.
In this TL, the 'Blood Countess' channeled her psychosis into becoming a Joan of Arc figure, who led armies against the vile Turk, killing thousands of them, even beheading Selim the Sot in combat, breaking the back of the Ottoman Empire.
The Catholic Church made her a Saint with surprising swiftness after her death, rumors state that they were so terrified of her memory they said she was in heaven to keep her from seizing control of hell.
James II was a bit too personally unlikeable IMO (even his French hosts found him tiresome) that's why I said Mary of Modena - not even James's enemies had anything bad to say about her (even William III who spitefully kept her dowry which was illegal in international law) except for Anne (who was worse than her father in terms of religious bigotry- though the Whig version of history would never admit this).
I wonder if Chambord had been become king if a cause for Madam Royale, Marie Therese would have been opened by Henri (who certainly thought of her a saint and more a mother than his own). Her tragedies (whole family killed, only survivor, and then three separate exiles from France) and steadfast faith certainly qualify (one of the few historical personages where even you are on the other side, you can't begrudge her for her personality or iciness or conservatism - she came by them the hard way).
I'm personally glad Pius IX still hasn't gone over the final hurdle (and most of the present day popes probably don't want him to). His political views were retrograde even by 19th century standards (though I can certainly understand the "Prisoner of the Vatican" stance) and the Edgardo Mortara case (soon to be a major motion picture from Steven Spielberg in OTL for real) is a stain the church still can't explain away (and they couldn't in the 1800s either). I actually think Leo XIII - who tried to rally Catholics to the French Republic, issues the first social encyclicals on labor to hold the socialists off and ultimately defeated Bismarck's Kulturkamp would be a better choice.
Margaret Pole is still one step away from sainthood. She still needs that miracle (though considering she WAS a martyr I think it should be waived). Empress Zita's cause for canonization has already been opened. It happened in 2009, she is at Servant of God level.
The Trupp and Schnieder cases remind me of an anecdote of a Lutheran group petitioning the Pope of Rome to canonize the Lutheran Dietrich Bonhoeffer post Vatican II. The Pope (could have been Paul VI or John Paul II) replied basically - that's up to you since he wasn't Catholic. Obviously the Lutherans didn't have an apparatus or theology (mostly) to do it so the case was dropped. The ROC apparently doesn't care about such things, rightly so. If the Imperial Family are passion-bearers in ROC eyes then those who died and gave their lives for them should be as well, I would say.