SAINTS: Living

Imitations of
Christ
 Saints are the heroes of the
Catholic faith. They lived lives in
holiness, dedicated to serving God
and spreading His message of
salvation. Indeed, many Catholic
saints courageously met their
deaths simply because of their
faith.
 Today, the saints serve as examples for all
Catholics, showing us how to lead a more
satisfying, more spiritual life in communion with
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They are
reminders that this life will come to an end, and
only what was done for Christ will have a lasting
reward. Each saint’s story is a fascinating one.
They lived at different times in different
places throughout history, but they all
shared a love of God that has been
meticulously documented through the
teachings of the Catholic Church.
 Historical Origins of Saints
The concept of saints can be traced back to the early
Christian Church. In the early days of Christianity, martyrs—
individuals who died for their faith—were the first to be
venerated as saints. Over time, this practice evolved to
include those who exhibited exceptional holiness and virtue
during their lives. The formal canonization process we
recognize today began to take shape in the medieval
period.
 “
The Concept of
“Saints” in Other
Rligions
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

1. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, a

saint is defined as anyone who is
in Heaven, whether recognized here on
Earth, or not. By this definition, Adam and
Eve, Moses, the various prophets, except
for the angels and archangels are all given
the title of "Saint".
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

Sainthood in the Orthodox Church does

not necessarily reflect a moral model, but
the communion with God: there are
countless examples of people who lived in
great sin and became saints by humility
and repentance, such as Mary of
Egypt, Moses the Ethiopian, and Dysmas,
the repentant thief who was crucified.
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

Therefore, a more complete Eastern

Orthodox definition of what a saint is, has
to do with the way that saints, through
their humility and their love of humankind,
saved inside them the entire church, and
loved all people.
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

2. Buddhists in both
the Theravada and Mahayana t
raditions hold the Arhats in
special esteem, as well as
highly
developed Bodhisattvas.
Tibetan Buddhists hold
the tulkus (reincarnates of
deceased eminent
practitioners) as living saints
on earth.
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

3. Hindu saints are those

recognized by Hindus as showing
a great degree of holiness and
sanctity. Hinduism has a long
tradition of stories and poetry
about saints. There is no
formal canonization process in
Hinduism, but over time, many
men and women have reached
the status of saints among their
followers and among Hindus in
general.
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

Some Hindu saints are given god-like

status, being seen
as incarnations of Vishnu, Shiva, Devi,
and other aspects of the Divine—this
can happen during their lifetimes, or
sometimes many years after their
deaths. This explains another common
name for Hindu saints: godmen.
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

4. Besides prophets, according

to Islam, saints
possess blessings ("baraka") and
can perform miracles (Karāmāt).
Saints rank lower than prophets,
and they do not intercede for
people on the Day of Judgment.
However, both the tombs of
prophets and saints are visited
frequently (Ziyarat). People would
seek the advice of a saint in their
quest for spiritual fulfilment.
 The Concept of “Saints”
in Other Rligions

5. The concept of sant or bhagat is found in North Indian

religious thought including Sikhism, most notably in
the Guru Granth Sahib. Figures such
as Kabir, Ravidas, Namdev, and others are known
as Sants or Bhagats. The term Sant is applied in the Sikh
and related communities to beings that have attained
enlightenment through God realization and spiritual union
with God via repeatedly reciting the name of God (Naam
Japo).
 The
Canonization
How can Process
a person become a saint?
 The Canonization
Process

Canonization - The process of canonization in the

Catholic Church is the formal recognition and
declaration of an individual as a saint. This process
involves a thorough investigation of the person's
life, virtues, and potential miracles attributed to
their intercession.
 The Canonization
Process
History
In the first five centuries of the Church, the process for recognizing
a saint was based on public acclaim or the vox populi. There was no
formal canonical process as understood by today's standards.

Beginning in the sixth century and continuing into the twelfth

century, the intervention of the local bishop was required before
someone could be canonized. The intervention of the local bishop
usually began with a request from the local community for the
bishop to recognize someone a saint. Upon studying the request
and a written biography, if he found it favorable, the bishop would
typically issue a decree, legitimatize the liturgical cult and thereby
canonize the person.
 The Canonization
Process

Starting in the tenth century, a cause proceeded with the

usual steps, i.e. the person's reputation would spread, a
request to the local bishop from the people to declare the
person a saint occurred, and a biography would be written
for the bishop's review.

Now however, the bishop would collect eyewitness testimony

of those who knew the person and who had witnessed
miracles, and he would provide a summary of the case to the
Pope for his approval. The Pope then reviewed the cause,
and if he approved it, he issued a decree declaring the
person a canonized saint.
 The Canonization
Process

Today

1. Servant of God: The process begins at the diocesan level

in the region where the individual lived or died. A local
bishop may initiate the process or respond to the request of
the faithful. The bishop appoints a postulator to gather and
present evidence of the person's life, virtues, and reputation
for holiness. The candidate is then given the title "Servant of
God."
 The Canonization
Process

2. Diocesan Investigation: The postulator conducts a

thorough investigation into the candidate's life, gathering
historical documents, testimonies, writings, and any other
relevant information. Witnesses are interviewed to assess
the candidate's heroic virtues, such as humility, charity, and
patience. A detailed biography (Positio) is compiled and
submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the
Vatican.
 The Canonization
Process

3. Roman Phase: Upon receiving the Positio, the

Congregation for the Causes of Saints reviews the materials
and determines if the case merits further investigation. If
approved, the candidate is declared "Venerable." This title
recognizes that the individual lived a life of heroic virtue.
 The Canonization
Process

4. Beatification: For beatification, which is the next step in

the process, evidence of a miracle attributed to the
candidate's intercession is required. The alleged miracle
undergoes rigorous scientific and theological examination. If
accepted, the Pope approves the candidate's beatification.
The candidate is then referred to as "Blessed." Beatification
allows for limited public veneration in certain regions or
communities.
 The Canonization
Process

5. Canonization: For canonization, the candidate must be

associated with at least one more miracle. The process for
investigating and verifying the miracles is similar to the
beatification phase. If the miracle is deemed authentic and
the candidate meets all the necessary criteria, the Pope can
declare the person a saint. The canonization process
confirms the candidate's entry into the official list of saints.
 The Canonization
Process

6. Cult and Feast Day: After canonization, the saint

is assigned a feast day on the liturgical calendar
and may also be granted patronage over specific
causes, professions, or places. Their relics may be
venerated, and churches or shrines may be
dedicated in their honor.
 The Canonization
Process

Note: It's important to emphasize that the canonization

process is deliberate and can take a significant amount of
time, sometimes spanning decades or even centuries. The
process is subject to careful scrutiny to ensure that the
candidate truly exemplifies heroic virtue and has interceded
in verified miracles.
The canonization process aims to provide a reliable
recognition of individuals who have lived lives of exceptional
holiness and whose example and intercession can inspire
and guide the faithful. It's a meticulous process that upholds
the sanctity and significance of the title "saint" within the
Catholic tradition.
 Types of Saints
In the Catholic Church, saints are categorized
based on their life experiences, roles, and
virtues. These categories help believers
connect with specific saints who share similar
circumstances or characteristics.
 Types of Saints

1. Martyrs: Martyrs are

individuals who have suffered
persecution or death for their
faith. They are considered the
earliest saints and were often
venerated as witnesses to the
Christian faith. Their willingness
to endure suffering and death
rather than renounce their
beliefs is seen as the ultimate
act of faith.
 Types of Saints

3. Doctors of the Church:

Doctors of the Church are
saints recognized for their
significant theological
contributions. They have
deepened the understanding of
Christian doctrine and played a
crucial role in shaping the
theology of the Church. Their
writings and teachings continue
to influence Christian thought.
 Types of Saints

3. Virgins: Virgin saints are

individuals who dedicated their
lives to celibacy and chastity.
Their commitment to purity and
their devotion to Christ are
considered exemplary virtues.
These saints often serve as role
models for those seeking to live
lives of self-control and
dedication to God.

St. Agatha
 Types of Saints

4. Mystics: Some saints are

known for their mystical
experiences and visions. They
often had profound encounters
with God or heavenly beings,
leading to a deeper
understanding of the spiritual
realm. Saint Teresa of Avila and
Saint John of the Cross are
renowned mystics.

St. Theresa of
Avila
 Types of Saints

5. Patron Saints: Patron saints

are specific saints chosen as
intercessors for particular
occupations, places, or
situations. Catholics often
invoke patron saints for
guidance and intercession in
their specific areas of
expertise.
Significance of
Saints
1. Models of Holiness and Virtue:

One of the primary reasons for the presence of saints in the Catholic
Church is their role as models of holiness and virtue.

Saints are individuals who are believed to have lived exceptionally

virtuous lives, embodying the teachings of Christ and the Gospel.

Their stories serve as examples of how to live a life centered on faith, love,
humility, and service to others. Catholics look to saints as role models to
guide their own spiritual journeys and emulate their virtues.

Significance of Saints
2. Intercessors and Mediators

Catholics believe that saints are still connected to the living Church
through their presence in the Communion of Saints.

Saints are seen as intercessors who can pray on behalf of believers,

bringing their petitions and requests to God.

This intercessory role is especially evident in the practice of invoking

patron saints for specific needs or situations.

Significance of Saints
3. Strengthening the Communion of Believers

The veneration of saints fosters a sense of unity and communion among

believers, both living and deceased.

Saints are considered part of the spiritual family of the Church, and their
feast days and stories are celebrated by the entire community.

This practice reinforces the idea that faith is not solely an individual
endeavor but a shared journey within a larger community of believers.

Significance of Saints
4. Historical and Cultural Significance

Saints hold historical and cultural significance within the Catholic

tradition.

Many saints lived during pivotal moments in history, leaving a mark on the
development of theology, art, literature, and culture.

The lives and stories of saints have inspired countless works of art, music,
literature, and architecture, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of
the Church.

Significance of Saints
5. Miracles and Signs of Divine Grace

The Catholic Church recognizes miracles attributed to the intercession of

saints as signs of God's grace and approval.

The occurrence of miracles—extraordinary events that cannot be

explained by natural laws—is often considered evidence of a saint's
continued presence and power in Heaven.

Miracles play a significant role in the canonization process, reinforcing the

belief that saints maintain a connection to the earthly realm.

Significance of Saints
6. Encouragement and Hope

Saints provide believers with encouragement and hope in their own

spiritual journeys.

The challenges and trials saints faced during their lives and the
perseverance they demonstrated serve as sources of comfort and
inspiration for believers facing difficulties.

The knowledge that individuals faced similar struggles and emerged

victorious through their faith can offer hope and strength to those
enduring their own trials.

Significance of Saints
 “
Criticisms and Concerns
While a lot of Catholic saints are revered and
celebrated by millions of believers, there have been
criticisms and concerns raised about certain aspects of
saint veneration within the Catholic Church. It's
important to note that these criticisms vary in intensity
and scope, and not all individuals or groups within or
outside the Church
Total share the same views.
success!
 “
Criticisms and Concerns
It's important to recognize that these criticisms do not
represent a universal perspective, and the Catholic
Church addresses many of these concerns through
theological explanations, education, and ongoing
dialogue. Saints remain integral to the spiritual lives of
countless Catholics, providing inspiration, intercession,
and a sense of connection to the history and traditions
Total success!
of the faith.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

1. Distraction from God and Christ: Critics

argue that excessive focus on saints can lead
to a potential distraction from the central
tenets of Christianity—worship of God and
devotion to Christ. They are concerned that
the intercession of saints might overshadow
direct communion with God and the role of
Jesus as the sole mediator between God and
humanity.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

2. Idolatry and Relic Veneration: Some critics

view the veneration of saints' relics, statues,
and images as verging on idolatry. They
argue that the line between honoring a saint
and worshiping an object associated with a
saint can become blurred, potentially
contradicting the biblical commandment
against idol worship.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

3. Lack of Scriptural Basis: Critics point out that

while the Bible acknowledges the concept of
the "communion of saints," there is no
explicit scriptural mandate for the formal
canonization process, the intercession of
saints, or the veneration of relics. They
argue that some aspects of saint veneration
may lack a strong foundation in the Bible.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

4. Historical Myths and Legends: Some critics

assert that certain saints' lives and stories
may be embellished with myths and legends
that have accumulated over centuries. They
worry that these embellishments could
undermine the authenticity of the faith and
lead to the veneration of figures whose
actual historical accuracy is questionable.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

5. Uneven Focus on Saints: Critics argue that

the emphasis on certain saints or the
prominence given to specific figures might
lead to an unequal representation of the
diversity of Christian experiences and
virtues. They are concerned that some saints
may be neglected or overshadowed by more
well-known figures.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

6. Potential for Exploitation: There are concerns

about the commercialization of saint-related
items, such as medals, prayer cards, and
relics, which some critics argue can exploit
the genuine devotion of believers. This
commercial aspect may shift the focus from
spiritual growth to commercial transactions.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

7. Misunderstandings by Non-Catholics:
Catholic saint veneration can sometimes be
misunderstood or misrepresented by
individuals outside the Catholic Church,
leading to misconceptions about the nature
and purpose of saintly intercession and
devotion.
 Criticisms and
Concerns

8. Complex Canonization Process: Critics might

find fault with the complex and lengthy
canonization process, which involves
multiple stages and requirements, as they
feel it could create bureaucracy and hinder
the recognition of individuals whose holiness
is evident but who do not meet all the formal
criteria.