Even the heroic virtue of her brothers is not enough.

The initial investigation, into whether she showed "heroic virtue," began that September.

The modern process for declaring heroic virtue is internal to the church and conducted by those in senior positions.

Japanese traditionally set store by the heroic virtue of gaman, which means long-suffering perseverance.

One miracle performed after his death is needed for beatification, which is the formal recognition of what are called a candidate's "heroic virtues."

After further investigations, MacKillop's "heroic virtue" was declared in 1992.

Baluan Sholak remained popular with his countrymen, combining heroic and poetic virtue.

A decree on his heroic virtues was published in 1906, and only miracles were required for his Beatification.

"War necessarily brings with it some virtues, and great and heroic virtues, too," he wrote.

The old procedure had been a juridical "trial" in which canon lawyers had to prove the heroic virtue of the candidate.