Does Saint apply to a baptized infant?

[porthos11]

Your child is most certainly a saint, but don’t put it as a title on her tombstone because the Church hasn’t defined her as such. However, it should be fine to mention the word in her tombstone epitaph.

Interesting that you mention the FSSP, as in the traditional rite, the funeral Mass for a baptized infant uses white vestments and the texts are devoid of the sorrow one would find in a Requiem for an adult. This enforces the Church’s belief that a baptized infant goes straight to heaven.

I’m very sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort.

 

[pianistclare]

In Mass, you have often her the words “with the communion of saints” .
This refers to all who are residing in heaven. Everyone in heaven is a Saint. A Canonized saint is one who is recognized as having performed miracles through their intercession, and have led such an exemplary life that they are worthy of veneration by the faithful.
In other words, people do not become angels when they die, but they do enter into the company of the saints and angels, and are part of the “communion” of saints.
Everyone who resides in heaven is a saint (lower case “s”).
May the merciful Lord grant you peace. I offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter, who is so dearly loved.
Clare

 

[Bookcat]

In Mass, you have often her the words “with the communion of saints” .

“Communion of the saints” in the Creed refers to the communion of all the saints…Christians on earth included.

Catechism: scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p5.htm

Though yes also one has “communion with the Saints” as you note.

 

[pianistclare]

“Communion of the saints” in the Creed refers to the communion of all the saints…Christians on earth included.

Catechism: scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p5.htm

Though yes also one has “communion with the Saints” as you note.

Isn’t that what I said?

 

[Bookcat]

Isn’t that what I said?

yes.

I misread it at first and took it as referring to the Creed. Then went back and noted what you noted was correct though…

 

[pianistclare]

yes.

I misread it at first and took it as referring to the Creed. Then went back and noted what you noted was correct though…

 

[YoungTradCath]

Thank you to all who have weighed in so far. Please let me elaborate as to what I seek. I am looking for doctrinal, textual evidence-either way-to either defend my assertion or argue against it. We all have opinions, including the wise and considered opinions of our beloved Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, but they’re still opinions. If you have a strong opinion either way, can this be supported by doctrine? That’s really what looking for. By the way, I’m also aware the answer might not be clear. Thank you again.

I don’t know if there is a succinct Church document that addresses this or a canon. I don’t think that exists.

However, saint in a generic sense refers to anyone in Heaven.

If a baptized baby dies, then we have every assurance that she is in Heaven. All people in Heaven are saints, ergo your daughter is a saint.

It’s just a logical bridge that we have to make at this point. There is no Church document stating, “Baptized babies who die are to be called saints.” It’s not like that.