Is a declared saint - by the Church - in Heaven?

[rien]

Protestants admit only a few are in heaven from the Bible. Like the thief or Moses.

But when a person is decalred a Saint are they automatically in Heaven or could they be in Purgatory?B
Also, are there more Catholic or Orthodox saints? I’ve read Pope benedict wants to decrease the rush to Sainthood. Has the church gone overboard here and how does it relate to Orthodox Sainthood?

 

[Catholic_Dude]

Protestants admit only a few are in heaven from the Bible. Like the thief or Moses.

They would admit there are many in Heaven, just few we specifically know about by name.

But when a person is decalred a Saint are they automatically in Heaven or could they be in Purgatory?

Definitely in Heaven.

Also, are there more Catholic or Orthodox saints?

I would guess there are more Catholic given the number of Catholics on earth is over 3 times larger.

I’ve read Pope benedict wants to decrease the rush to Sainthood. Has the church gone overboard here and how does it relate to Orthodox Sainthood?

He wants to decrease the rush in the sense he doesnt want it to be like a celebrity show.

 

[rien]

They would admit there are many in Heaven, just few we specifically know about by name.

Definitely in Heaven.

I would guess there are more Catholic given the number of Catholics on earth is over 3 times larger.

He wants to decrease the rush in the sense he doesnt want it to be like a celebrity show.

Can you provide a source as to, if the Catholic church declares a person a Saint, they are in Heaven? Couldn’t they be in Purgatory?

 

[Fred_4]

I believe that they are in heaven by virtue of the power their intercession has demonstrated through miracles.

 

[rien]

I believe that they are in heaven by virtue of the power their intercession has demonstrated through miracles.

You guys don’t get it.

Simple question - if a person is declared a Saint does that mean they are automatically in Heaven or could they be in Purgatory? Simple question. My protestant friends would like a simple answer. And a source for that answer.

 

[deb1]

You guys don’t get it.

Simple question - if a person is declared a Saint does that mean they are automatically in Heaven or could they be in Purgatory? Simple question. My protestant friends would like a simple answer. And a source for that answer.

I think that you are being a bit vague in your questions.

The Church does not know everyone who is in heaven. Nor does the Church’s announcement itself place the person in heaven. God decides who is in heaven or purgatory. You probably know that but I’ve heard some odd views on what Catholics believe.

The Church is guided by the Holy Spirit so will not incorrectly say someone who is in heaven. If your friends do not believe in the authority of the Catholic church then they will not accept this anyway. The only thing that you can do is explain our position.

Yes, if someone is a Saint they are in heaven and bypass purgatory. Do a search on the Catholic Answers library. There should be plenty of articles there.

 

[deb1]

Protestants admit only a few are in heaven from the Bible. Like the thief or Moses.

I think that it depends on which Protestants you are referring to. Which particular denomination do you mean? I know some that believe that our souls sleep until Christ returns. But I know others that believe that we are with God immediately upon death. I know some who think most people go to heaven and some who think most people go to hell.

As soon as someone says that Protestants believe this or that, the thread will get derailed by someone saying that their church teaches something different.

 

[rocketrob]

You guys don’t get it.

Simple question - if a person is declared a Saint does that mean they are automatically in Heaven or could they be in Purgatory? Simple question. My protestant friends would like a simple answer. And a source for that answer.

Here is a simple answer from article 1023 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

“By virtue of our apostolic authority, we define the following: According to the general disposition of God, the souls of all the saints . . . and other faithful who died after receiving Christ’s holy Baptism (provided they were not in need of purification when they died, . . . or, if they then did need or will need some purification, when they have been purified after death, . . .) already before they take up their bodies again and before the general judgment—and this since the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into heaven—have been, are and will be in heaven, in the heavenly Kingdom and celestial paradise with Christ, joined to the company of the holy angels. Since the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, these souls have seen and do see the divine essence with an intuitive vision, and even face to face, without the mediation of any creature.”

And here is a reference from scripture (Rev. 6:9):

“…I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne…”

rocketrob