In the Catholic tradition, the concept of sainthood encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, deeply rooted in the faith’s history, theology, and practice of venerating those believed to have led lives of exemplary virtue and holiness.
This guide explores the multifaceted understanding of what it means to be a saint in the Catholic Church, drawing from historical practices, theological principles, and the process that leads to official recognition of sainthood.
The path to canonization involves several rigorous stages, designed to thoroughly investigate the life and virtues of the candidate:
You can also find out more about Popes who have been sainted, here.
Saint Philomena is the patron saint of infants, babies, and youth. She is also known as “The Wonderworker”. There is not a lot known about St. Philomena other than she was a Greek princess who died at the young age of 13 years old. It was said that she became a virgin martyr. In May … Read more
Saint Christopher is a figure revered in Christianity, known primarily as the patron saint of travelers. His story, blending history with legend, has been a source of inspiration and devotion among Christians for centuries. According to the most popular legend, Christopher was a Canaanite man of great size and strength who lived during the 3rd … Read more
Saint Fanchea of Rossory, recognized across various Christian denominations, was a notable figure in early Christian Ireland, born into nobility as one of Conall Derg of Oriel’s four daughters. Choosing a life of religious devotion over secular nobility, she founded the Rossory Monastery on the shores of Lough Erne with her sister Darenia’s assistance. Fanchea … Read more
Below is an A to Z list of Irish Saints. This list of Irish saints aims to provide a general overview of the saints who were born in Ireland or who are revered there. The majority of these saints lived in early Christian Ireland, from the fourth to the tenth centuries, a time when the … Read more
His full name, Titus Flavius Clemens, is given by Eusebius and Photius in the title of the Stromateis. The remarkable coincidence of the name with that of the nephew of Vespasian and consul in 95 cannot have been accidental, but we have no direct evidence of Clement’s connection with the imperial Flavian family. Perhaps he … Read more
Ignatius, St. (called Theophorus), Oct. 17, the 2nd bp. of Antioch (c. 70–c. 107), between Evodius and Hero. He is sometimes reckoned the 3rd bishop, St. Peter being reckoned the first. The question of the life and writings of Ignatius, including the connected subject of the Ep. of Polycarp to the Philippians, has been described … Read more
Polycarpus, bishop of Smyrna, one of the most prominent figures in the church of the 2nd century. He owes this prominence less to intellectual ability, which does not appear to have been pre-eminent, than to the influence gained by a consistent and unusually long life. Born some 30 years before the end of the 1st … Read more
St Columbanus was a missionary in Ireland known as Columbanus before becoming a saint. Many historians know him for his work in encouraging others to confess their sins and the monasteries that he established in Italy and France. This article will look at some of the surviving details about the life of St Columbanus. Quick … Read more
St. Colmcille or St Columba, was one of several men who lived and worked in Ireland during the sixth century and later became saints. He is the patron saint of Derry, which was where he spent most of his life. We’ll address the life and times of Colmcille as well as the Churches that recognize … Read more
Known as St. Brendan the Navigator and Brendan of Clonfert, this Catholic saint was Irish and remembered for his travels. Many churches and schools around the world use his name, especially those in Ireland the United States. We created this article to help you learn more about the life and times of St. Brendan. Quick … Read more
