From stained-glass windows to holy cards, saints are everywhere in Catholic culture. But what exactly is a saint? Are they only miracle-workers and martyrs, or is there more to the story?
Whether you’re a cradle Catholic or simply curious, understanding what the Church teaches about saints offers a deeper glimpse into God’s call for every soul: to become holy.
Table of Contents
The Definition of a Saint
In simple terms, a saint is someone who has entered Heaven. The Church teaches that all who are united with God in eternal glory—whether officially recognised or not—are saints.
“The Church… is held, as a matter of faith, to be unfailingly holy. This is because Christ, the Son of God, who with the Father and the Spirit is hailed as ‘alone holy,’ loved the Church as His Bride, giving Himself up for her so as to sanctify her.”
— Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 823)
Sainthood, then, is not an elite club—it’s the universal call to holiness. God desires every human soul to become a saint. As Jesus said:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48
Canonised Saints vs. Unknown Saints
When the Church canonises a saint, it’s a formal declaration that the person lived a life of heroic virtue and is now in Heaven. Canonisation does not make someone a saint—it simply recognises the holiness already present.
These saints become models for the faithful, with feast days, prayers, and often patronages over particular causes (e.g. St Joseph for workers, St Anthony for lost items).
However, there are countless saints who are not canonised—ordinary people who lived and died in a state of grace and are now with God. These include holy grandparents, devout single people, hidden religious, and faithful parents.
“A great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue… stood before the throne and before the Lamb.” — Revelation 7:9
This is what the Church celebrates every All Saints’ Day (1 November)—not just the canonised saints, but all who now see God face to face.
Why Do We Honour the Saints?
We honour (not worship) the saints because they show us what it means to follow Christ. They are living proof that holiness is possible—in every age, culture, and vocation.
“By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness.” — CCC 828
Honouring saints also strengthens our hope. They are not distant historical figures, but our brothers and sisters in Christ, cheering us on as we journey toward Heaven (cf. Hebrews 12:1).
Are Saints Perfect?
Saints were not born holy—they became holy by cooperating with grace. Many struggled with doubt, fear, sin, and suffering. What makes them saints is not a life of perfection but a life of persevering faith and repentance.
- St Peter denied Jesus three times.
- St Augustine lived a worldly life before his conversion.
- St Teresa of Calcutta experienced decades of spiritual dryness.
Holiness is not about having it all together—it’s about letting God transform us day by day.
Are We All Called to Be Saints?
Yes. The call to holiness is universal.
“All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity.” — Lumen Gentium 40
Whether you’re a student, parent, priest, widow, or truck driver—you are called to sainthood. It’s not about doing “big things,” but doing small things with great love, as St Thérèse of Lisieux taught.
The Communion of Saints
Saints aren’t just examples from the past—they’re actively united with us in what the Church calls the Communion of Saints.
This includes:
- The Church Triumphant (those in Heaven),
- The Church Suffering (souls in Purgatory),
- The Church Militant (us on Earth).
We’re all part of the same spiritual family, praying for and supporting each other in Christ.
“Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in Heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness… they do not cease to intercede with the Father for us.” — CCC 956
Why Sainthood Matters Today
In a noisy, divided world, saints remind us that truth, love, and holiness are real possibilities. They chose Christ when it was hard. They gave all for God. And they show us how to live with courage, humility, and joy.
The saints prove that holiness isn’t only for monasteries and martyrs. It’s for workplaces, hospitals, homes, and highways. Wherever God has placed you, that’s where you are called to become a saint.
Conclusion: Heaven Is the Goal
To be a saint is to live fully alive in God’s love. It’s not reserved for a few—it’s the destiny God desires for each one of us.
Ask yourself: What steps can I take today to grow in holiness? Who are the saints whose lives inspire me most?
READ MORE: FAITH SECTION
READ MORE: 10 SAINTS EVERY CATHOLIC SHOULD KNOW
