Saints
A saint is someone who lives with God in heaven. Catholics believe that those who have died in Christ still belong to his family. Just as we might ask a friend at church to remember us in prayer, we can ask the saints to pray with us and for us. This is called intercession. God is the one to whom our prayers are directed.
How does the Church declare someone a saint?
Canonization is the Church’s public recognition that a person is in heaven. Many saints are known only to God. In the usual process today, the Church takes these steps:
- Servant of God. When a cause is formally opened, the diocese gathers testimony and examines the person’s life and writings. The evidence is then studied in Rome.
- Venerable. On the path of heroic virtue, the pope recognizes that the person consistently lived the Christian virtues to an exceptional degree. Martyrdom has a distinct path.
- Blessed. Beatification permits public veneration in designated places or communities. Ordinarily, a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession is required. A recognized martyr may be beatified without one.
- Saint. Ordinarily, another miracle after beatification is required for someone beatified on the path of heroic virtue. For a martyr, this is usually the first required miracle. At canonization the pope declares the person a saint for the whole Church.
A saint to pray with
You can bring any intention to any saint. These examples connect something from each saint’s life with a prayer you might make today.
St. Monica
She prayed for years for her son Augustine before his conversion.
St. Monica, pray for my child who has drifted from faith. Help me listen with love and keep praying when I see little change.
St. Joseph
Mary’s husband cared for Jesus, worked as a carpenter, and led the Holy Family to safety.
St. Joseph, pray for me as I look for steady work and for the people depending on me.
St. Francis of Assisi
He embraced poverty, cared for people who were shunned, and praised God for creation.
St. Francis, pray that I may see the person I usually pass by and have the courage to stop and help.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
This Carmelite nun taught a “little way” of trusting Jesus and doing ordinary things with love.
St. Thérèse, pray for patience for me today, especially in the small tasks that no one notices.
St. Vincent de Paul
This French priest organized practical care for people living in poverty.
St. Vincent, pray for my neighbor who cannot afford groceries. Help me find a way to help that respects their dignity.
St. Teresa of Calcutta
She founded the Missionaries of Charity and cared for people who were sick, dying, or abandoned.
St. Teresa, pray for someone facing illness alone. Help me make time to visit and stay with them.
How the Church recognizes saints · The Catechism on the saints and prayer