Venerabilis

Venerabilis is a Latin adjective meaning "worthy of reverence" or "venerable." In Catholic usage, it appears as a formal title in ecclesiastical Latin and is used to designate a person in the early stage of the sainthood process. In the canonization tradition, a deceased candidate who has been recognized as living a life of heroic virtue is proclaimed by the pope to be Venerabilis, indicating eligibility for beatification. This title precedes the next stages of beatification (Blessed) and canonization (Saint). The Latin form Venerabilis appears in official documents, while English translations render the form as "Venerable [Name]." The sequence typically runs Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, Saint.

Etymology-wise, venerabilis derives from Latin venerari, meaning to revere, with the sense of something or someone worthy of reverence. The term thus functions both as a descriptive attribute and as a formal liturgical style within the Catholic Church's process of recognizing sanctity.

Beyond canonical use, the word in English has a broader sense: it describes someone held in high esteem for age, wisdom, or character, not limited to religious contexts. The phrase the Venerable has appeared in historical and religious writing as a respectful designation for notable figures, including certain saints prior to or within traditional usage.

In summary, venerabilis is a Latin term tied to reverence and formal recognition within Catholic sainthood processes, while also existing as a general English descriptor for respected individuals.