Catholic Saints

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 Essence of Sainthood

• Heavenly Citizens: At its core, the Catholic Church recognizes saints as individuals who are in Heaven, enjoying the Beatific Vision of God. This includes both those who have been formally canonized and the countless unnamed faithful who have attained Heaven. The Church believes that these saints form a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1), exemplifying faith and virtue throughout their lives.
• Models of Holiness: Saints are seen as heroes and heroines whose lives of generous surrender to God mirror the total surrender of Jesus Christ. They are celebrated for their spiritual endurance and are considered inspirations for living a holy life, as articulated by Leonard Foley in Saint of the Day.
• Recognition, Not Creation: The Catholic Church maintains that it does not create saints but recognizes them. Canonization is the Church’s formal declaration that a person is in Heaven and worthy of public veneration and imitation. This process underscores the Church’s belief in the individual’s exemplary faith and virtues.

Historical Development of Canonization

• Evolution of Practices: The practice of venerating saints dates back to the early Christian centuries, initially involving local and spontaneous venerations confirmed by local bishops. Pope John XV made a significant development in 993 by canonizing a saint outside his jurisdiction, a practice that evolved over centuries. By the 12th century, the authority to canonize saints was reserved exclusively for the Pope, standardizing the process within the Latin Church.
• The Role of Popular Devotion: The veneration of saints, or the “cult of the Saints,” reflects the faithful’s devotion and personal entrustment to specific saints. This practice involves asking saints to intercede with God on behalf of the living, a testament to the communal and intercessory nature of the Catholic faith.

The Canonization Process

The path to canonization involves several rigorous stages, designed to thoroughly investigate the life and virtues of the candidate:

1. Servant of God: The process begins with a detailed investigation into the candidate’s life, virtues, and miracles attributed to their intercession.
2. Venerable: If the candidate’s heroic virtues are recognized, they may be declared “Venerable.”
3. Blessed: Beatification, the next step, requires evidence of a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession, after which they receive the title “Blessed.”
4. Saint: Canonization, the final step, necessitates a second miracle and allows the candidate to be venerated by the universal Church as a saint.

Saints and Society

• Patronage and Protection: Saints often hold special significance as patrons of causes, professions, and places, reflecting their historical or legendary associations with specific domains or their intercessory roles in providing protection and guidance.
• Relics and Symbols: The physical remains or personal belongings of saints are venerated as relics, which are respected for their connection to the holy individuals. Additionally, saints are often associated with symbols that reflect their lives, martyrdom, or miracles, enriching the tapestry of Catholic iconography and devotion.

You can also find out more about Popes who have been sainted, here.