Who are Saints, and why?

[neoncake]

Could some body give me the run down on the Saints? Who are they? Where did they come from? What made them a Saint? what’s their purpose? Are they from the Bible? (I have noticed there are lots so you don’t have to get specific about every one but they are a new concept for me so any information would be appreciated?)

 

[Marie5890]

Could some body give me the run down on the Saints? Who are they? Where did they come from? What made them a Saint? what’s their purpose? Are they from the Bible? (I have noticed there are lots so you don’t have to get specific about every one but they are a new concept for me so any information would be appreciated?)

It seems you are seeking a basic and general understanding of what “saint” means to Catholics.

Here is a link

catholicism.about.com/od/thesaints/f/What_Is_A_Saint.htm

With that, know that a capital S-aint is someone who has officially been raised to the alter. But there are many small s-aints who never have that happen, officially, but still enjoy the Beatific Vision (being in the presence of God).

Also know that the word “saint” comes from the Latin word “sanctus” which simply means “holy”

For example the archangles, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, are all referred to as “St Michael,” “St Gabriel”…etc, even though they are not humans, but rather, angels.

Again, the word “saint” ,means “holy”

 

[JRKH]

Could some body give me the run down on the Saints?

I’ll try…
First of all, the term “Saint” is from Sancta which means holy. So Saints are Holy people.

Who are they?

They are folks from throughout Christian history who have shown great holiness.

Where did they come from?

All over

What made them a Saint?

Three things…

1. The Holy Spirit working powerfully in them
2. They themselves surrendering themselves to the working of the Holy Spirit in them
3. The Church who recognized this great holiness and bestowed the title of “Saint” on them

what’s their purpose?

They serve as examples of exemplary Christians.

Are they from the Bible? (I have noticed there are lots so you don’t have to get specific about every one but they are a new concept for me so any information would be appreciated?)

Well yes - some are mentioned in the bible…The majority are not, having lived after the books of the bible had already been written.

Hope this helps a little.

Peace
James

 

[neoncake]

Awesome. Thank you for the link and explanation. It helped put some pieces together for me.

 

[Francis_C_1]

I would also add any person who gains entry into heaven is a Saint. Think about All Saints Day where we honour all Saints known and unknown in heaven. Therefore we all aspire to be Saints (by the grace of God) one day.

 

[Marie5890]

Neon,
I took the time to read your posts. I see you are new and are exploring Catholicism

Welcome!!
A couple of suggestion in your journey as you explore your spiritual journey.
See if there is a local parish with an RCIA program. There is no commitment in this. It’s just a program open to people who are seeking to understanding Catholicism better

Second, the book “Catholic For Dummines” is a great book that will answer your very basic questions you may have. But see if an RCIA program has one first, rather than buying one.

We will answer any questions we can. God’s blessings to you as you explore!

 

[Dorothy]

As a Catholic, the saints inspire me. They allowed our Lord Jesus Christ to sanctify them to the maximum.

We call that heroic virtue. They are held up as examples of what the Lord can do in us if we cooperate with His grace more fully.

Because they are part of the Body of Christ like all the baptized are, we believe they can intercede for us in heaven. Just as we can ask our friends on this earth to pray for our intentions, those who are with the Lord in heaven can intercede for us as well. We are family!

 

[SighGuy]

The Saints are a wonderful and indispensable part of the lives of Catholic people. We believe that, as on earth they prayed abundantly, so too in Heaven do they pray abundantly for those of us still on earth.

Additionally they are wonderful mentors and inspirations to us. They teach us because they have walked the paths of holiness before our time. They inspire us with their stories and wisdom, their heroism, and their warmth. When we sometimes feel down, distant from God, the Saints are right there reaching out their hands to us, to bring us back to our feet!

I mention this all as a supplement, since your questions have been answered.

 

[thistle]

Could some body give me the run down on the Saints? Who are they? Where did they come from? What made them a Saint? what’s their purpose? Are they from the Bible? (I have noticed there are lots so you don’t have to get specific about every one but they are a new concept for me so any information would be appreciated?)

Modern Catholic Dictionary:

SAINTS. A name given in the New Testament to Christians generally (Colossians 1:2) but early restricted to persons who were eminent for holiness. In the strict sense saints are those who distinguish themselves by heroic virtue during life and whom the Church honors as saints either by her ordinary universal teaching authority or by a solemn definition called canonization. The Church’s official recognition of sanctity implies that the persons

are now in heavenly glory, that they may be publicly invoked everywhere, and that their virtues during life or martyr’s death are a witness and example to the Christian faithful. (Etym. Latin sanctus, holy, sacred.)

 

[neoncake]

WOW!! I am blown away by all the helpful responses. Thank you, each and everyone of you for explaining and sharing insight with me! I will look into this RICA? further, it scares me a bit, I’ll have to go alone ;-( which has me nervous. (I’m not living in my hometown and I don’t know many people). How long generally is one sitting of this RICA? I am a full time college student, are they usually during the week/weekend? Again thanks, all of you.

 

[HelenRose]

Welcome! Remember that we are not the experts here. We just love to discuss our faith.

I am a convert and it has been quite a ride.

 

[JRKH]

WOW!! I am blown away by all the helpful responses. Thank you, each and everyone of you for explaining and sharing insight with me! I will look into this RICA? further, it scares me a bit, I’ll have to go alone ;-( which has me nervous. (I’m not living in my hometown and I don’t know many people). How long generally is one sitting of this RICA? I am a full time college student, are they usually during the week/weekend? Again thanks, all of you.

RCIA will vary from parish to parish. The current classes are well underway since they are usually geared to finish up at Easter. So it is most likely that you would schedule to attend starting next fall. But like I say, they can vary. Check with the local parishes around where you are.

Peace
James