Does Saint apply to a baptized infant?

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Dietrich

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My wife and I lost our baby girl 10 days ago and hour and a half after birth. We didn’t know until the day she was born that this might be an outcome. Of course it’s very hard for us (and will be even more once the shock wears off), but we’ve been the recipient of much consolation.

A nearby FSSP priest stood by us as we obviously had a growing fear of the outcome. Not only did he baptize her, he confirmed her as well. In light of the sadness surrounding this, we are so consoled by this. We have every confidence our Lillian is in Heaven. But here’s the question: as we believe the title ‘saint’ to be the recognition of a soul in Heaven, is there textual (not anecdotal) support for referring to our daughter as a saint? Obviously her cause will not be put forth to the Vatican to decide, but if it’s not accurate to say ‘saint’ we’d like to know. If it is, we plan on indicating it on her grave marker, so it’s important to be correct for me (and my wife, I hasten to add) on this.

So again, I’m looking for TEXTUAL evidence either way that would speak to this question. Thank you all.
 
Very sorry for your loss and the suffering of such a loss which was also so unexpected.

Yes the term “saint” would apply. Not in the canonized sense but yes it does apply. Let me re- post an older post of mine which can explain more.
 
Christians on earth – who are living “in Christ” – are saints.

We believe what St. Paul and other New Testament writers mean when they use the term.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church 823 :

"The Church, then, is “the holy People of God,” and her members are called “saints.”

And from Pope Benedict XVI:

“In his First Letter to the Corinthians, St Paul addresses “those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor 1: 2). Indeed, Christians are already saints because Baptism unites them to Jesus and to his Paschal Mystery…”

(and then discussing becoming --more holy --more conformed to Christ he continues…)

“…but at the same time they must become so by conforming themselves every more closely to him.”

“Sometimes, people think that holiness is a privileged condition reserved for the few elect. Actually, becoming holy is every Christian’s task… The Apostle writes that God has always blessed us and has chosen us in Christ “that we should be holy and blameless before him… in love” (Eph 1: 3-5). … The “Way” is Christ, the Son, the Holy One of God: “no one comes to the Father but by me [Jesus]” (cf. Jn 14: 6).”

Pope Benedict XVI 1 November 2007

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/angelus/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_ang_20071101_all-saints_en.html

Now over the centuries yes another use of the term saints developed. Saints has been yes used for those who have lived as saints in a heroic way (by the grace of God of course).

And yes later a process of canonization developed to recognize them, honor them and propose them as special models for the Christian faithful in following Christ.

Thus one can say there are saints and also Saints in the canonized sense or at least the recognized sense (they were recognized long before the process of canonization developed…especially Our Lady, the Apostles and Martyrs).​

Those living in Christ on earth etc are saints, and yes those who are in heaven - including newly baptized babies who are in Heaven.
 
Meditate on the reality of baptism:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#VII

Including: 1263 By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin. In those who have been reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God…
 
I am very sorry for your loss.

Your baby is certainly in heaven, a saint. I would not add St. to her name as she has not been formally declared by the Church. You could certainly refer to her as “another saint in Heaven.”
 
The words in my signature - are from the early Church - from the early Christians. They were used in various ways in life here - but one of the ways they were use greatly was on the tombs of Christians.

VIVAS IN DEO

Meaning: Live in God.

Other praises used where such as “in peace”
 
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.
 
In the Catecombe of Domitilla in Rome there is this one:

“To…son of Philemon who lived happily for two years with his parents. Pray for us, together with the Saints.”
 
Dietrich said:
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.
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My long post above refers the usage of the inspired Word of God, of the early Christians, of the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI and to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Not opinions.

The term “saint” is used in different senses but it is yes used to describe Christians (even those living in on earth). They are ‘saints’.

And a baby who has been baptized and who has left this pilgrimage as a baptized baby is a saint in the meaning of a saint in heaven. Not in the canonized sense but in a very real and true sense. There is no question about them being a saint and remaining always a saint. A holy one among the holy ones and the Canonized holy ones.

Forever in true life and waiting see the resurrection of the living at the resurrection.

You may wish to express this in a different way on the stone but the reality is a reality and there is no question about it.
 
“Living in true life -a holy one in Christ Jesus”

Something like that perhaps if you want to avoid confusion with the restricted usage of canonized Saint.
 
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church 823 :

"The Church, then, is “the holy People of God,” and her members are called “saints.”
 
Bookcat said:
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church 823 :

"The Church, then, is “the holy People of God,” and her members are called “saints.”
Click to expand...
But again you may wish to express things in other ways as I noted.
 
Catacomb of Pontianus, beginning of the fourth century:
Code: 
EVTYCHIANO FILIO DVLCISSIMO
EVTYCHIUS PATER [Chi-Rho symbol] V.A.I.M.
II.D IIII DEI SERVS ICHTHYS
i.e. “Eutychius, the father [has erected] the gravestone to his sweetest little son, Eutychianus. The child who lived one year, two months, and four days the servant of God.” The Greek monogram of the name of Christ Chi-Rho, and the “ICHTHYS” scratched on the gravestone, shows that the child had, through baptism, died a Christian and had been received into heaven by “Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour”.

newadvent.org/cathen/03417b.htm
 
Thank you. Just to be even more clear, we have no question about whether our daughter is in Heaven. She is. And although the writings of Saint Paul said we are “Called to be Saints”, that doesn’t (to me) answer the question. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI offers his opinion on this writing, to which I referred before. I am asking about sainthood in the usual sense, i.e. someone who has died in the grace of God, not as in a ‘living Saint’.

The question thus remains. Certain, as we are, that our girl is in Heaven, is there any DOCTRINAL evidence that we are clear to indicate on her grave marker that she is a saint by virtue of the circumstances of her birth, baptism, confirmation, and death?
 
Dietrich said:
Thank you. Just to be even more clear, we have no question about whether our daughter is in Heaven. She is. And although the writings of Saint Paul said we are “Called to be Saints”, that doesn’t (to me) answer the question.
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That quote said yes “called to be saints” but that was not meaning in the canonized sense -but in the sense of they were gentiles and they where called to be Christians- saints. And indeed became so.

Paul is here speaking to Gentiles…who previously had NOT been saints and where called to be so.

A few other quotes from the RSV CE ewtn.com/devotionals/biblesearch.asp

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem. (Acts 9:13)

Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. (Acts 9:32)

Contribute to the needs of the saints (Rm 12:13)

At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints. (Rm: 15:25)

that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her … (Rm 16:2)

As in all the churches of the saints (1 Cor 14:33)

Now I urge you, brethern, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints (1 Cor 16:15)

begging us earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints (2 Cor 8:4)

All the saints greet you. (2 Cor 13:13)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are also faithful in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:1)

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints (Eph 1:15)

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph 3:8)

But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints (Eph 5:3)

All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household (Phil 4:22)
 
Dietrich said:
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI offers his opinion on this writing, to which I referred before.
Click to expand...
No he is discussing reality and usage by the Church and Sacred Scripture…Pope Benedict XVI was teaching. He was not giving his opinion.
 
Inconclusive so far: Searching the Catechism for all occurrences of the word “saint” (or “saints”), I do not find any specific guidance regarding the use of Saint as a title, nor do I find a definition or rule to determine whether one person may be described as a saint.
 
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church 823 :

"The Church, then, is “the holy People of God,” and her members are called “saints.”

(not just the canonized…)

Catechism: 1263 By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin. In those who have been reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God…

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#VII

But again you may wish to express this in other ways. See examples above.
 
Bookcat said:
Catacomb of Pontianus, beginning of the fourth century:
Code: 
EVTYCHIANO FILIO DVLCISSIMO
EVTYCHIUS PATER [Chi-Rho symbol] V.A.I.M.
II.D IIII DEI SERVS ICHTHYS
i.e. “Eutychius, the father [has erected] the gravestone to his sweetest little son, Eutychianus. The child who lived one year, two months, and four days the servant of God.” The Greek monogram of the name of Christ Chi-Rho, and the “ICHTHYS” scratched on the gravestone, shows that the child had, through baptism, died a Christian and had been received into heaven by “Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour”.

newadvent.org/cathen/03417b.htm
Click to expand...
A wonderful and touching example from the Catholic Ency. of a tomb of a small child who had been baptized.
 
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