Saints—Models of Holiness

We pray to be inspired and strengthened by the examples of the saints.

"Canonized" saints are those who are recognized as having lived faithful to God’s grace and who practiced heroic virtue (CCC #828). We recognize saints as both role models and intercessors for us. The process of canonization involves careful scrutiny of a person’s life and a miracle performed in their name. Each person in heaven is a saint, canonized or not. We tend to view canonization as a sure sign that a person is in heaven. All Saints’ Day, November 1, is a special day to honor all holy people who are sharing God’s life in heaven.

To honor a saint is to praise God. We do not praise saints, not even Mary. We pray to saints that they may intercede on our behalf to God. All prayer petitions ultimately go to God. Prayers and devotions to saints are ways of expressing closeness with them.

Persons with specific illnesses or concerns often pray to saints who are related in some way to that illness or concern. Such prayers flow almost as natural communication between the petitioner and the saint.


Related Materials

Conversations of the Saints: Words of Wisdom from God's Chosen
by Bernard-Marie, and Jean Huscenot

This is a collection of the words of fifty–two saints. It provides a new way to find spirituality through the lives and words of the saints.

Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).


ORDER NUMBER: 0-7648-0386-7