(RNS) — The first formation center for canonization in the United States is scheduled to open at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California, in early 2026. The Center for Sainthood, commissioned by San Francisco’s Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone in an April 14 decree, aims to train sainthood enthusiasts on the inner workings of canonization. Fifty years after the canonization of the first U.S.-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founders of the center said they hope to ignite a stronger saintly American culture. McDevitt said he thinks the initiative could appease divisions among American Catholics. Waldery Hilgeman, the postulator, or person guiding the causes, for three Black saint candidates – Servant of God Julia Greeley, Mother Mary Lange and Venerable Henriette DeLille – will teach classes at the center alongside Spedicato.