CATHOLIC SAINTS

In the Roman Catholic tradition, the title of Saint (with a capital ‘S’) is given to a person who is perceived as exceptionally holy and virtuous and one who follows the Will of God. This title is formally given by the Church through what is known as canonization, which involves a thorough process of discernment. The case is studied closely and after a positive judgment, the person is beatified and then canonization takes place. There are over 10,000 Roman Catholic Saints.

The stages of canonization move from Servant of God to Venerable to the Blessed and finally a Saint. The formal recognition of a Saint by the Church involves a long and close study of the person’s character, history, etc. and has even taken a few centuries in some cases.

According to Roman Catholic theology, God is the God of the Living and therefore it follows that the Saints are alive in Heaven. They are considered as “special friends of God” and people often ask for their intercession in their prayers. Patron Saints are associated with certain causes or professions and are invoked against specific illnesses or disasters. Prayers by members of such particular groups are considered more likely to be answered by their Patron Saint. Saints’ powers are not considered as their own, but granted by God.

After a person is declared a Saint by the Church, the body of that Saint is considered holy and the remains, known as holy relics, are usually used in Churches. Relics of Saints are respected by Catholics all over the world and the Saints’ personal belongings are also used as relics by some.

Given below are a few popular Saints in the Roman Catholic tradition:

1. Saint Joseph

He is considered to be a descendant of the house of David, chosen by God to be the most chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Lord Jesus Christ. His feast is celebrated on the 19th of March every year. St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of many religious institutions. Wednesday is the special day of the week dedicated to Saint Joseph.

2. Saint Peter

It is believed that he had miraculous healing powers and people were cured by his shadow even. He was the first Bishop of the Church and is also considered as the first Pope. His feast is celebrated on the 29th of June.

3. Saint Joan of Arc

She experienced visions from Saint Margaret of Antioch, Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Michael the Archangel at the age of thirteen. She led the French army to numerous victories from 3 February 1429 to 23 May 1430, but was executed as a heretic by an English ecclesiastical court in 1432. St. Joan of Arc was beatified in 1909 and then canonized in 1920. She is the Patroness of France and Soldiers.

A number of Catholic schools and Catholic churches often take the name of Saints, such as St Joseph´s RC Church, Hertford, Hertfordshire; Parish of St Francis de Sales, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire; and Church of St Mary & St Joseph, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.