Saint facts for kids

For other uses, see Saint (disambiguation).

In Christian art, saints are often shown with halos. These halos are a symbol of their holiness. Judas is shown without a halo.

A saint is a person considered very special and holy. In many religions, saints are people believed to have a close connection to their god or gods. They are often seen as examples of how to live a good and spiritual life.

In Christianity, the word "saint" can mean any person who believes in Christ. This includes Christians both in Heaven and on Earth. Orthodox Christians and Catholics teach that all Christians in Heaven are saints. However, some are honored more than others. The Christian Bible mentions "Aaron the saint of the LORD" (Psalms 106:16-18). The apostle Paul also called himself "less than the least of all saints" (Ephesians 3:8).

What Makes Someone a Saint?

Many religions use the idea of a "saint" to honor special people. For example, there are Hindu saints. No matter their religion, people considered saints usually share some common traits:

They are often seen as very good people.
They are usually great teachers.
Some are believed to be able to work miracles.
They might be asked to pray for others.
They often live simply, without many material things.
They are usually very wise about holy things.

Saints in Christianity

Different Christian groups have their own ways of understanding who a saint is.

Anglican Beliefs About Saints

In the Anglican Communion, a saint is someone recognized by many people as holy. Saints are seen as role models for how to live a holy life. They are also like a "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) who encourage believers. Anglicans officially believe that saints exist in heaven.

Eastern Orthodox View of Saints

The Eastern Orthodox Church defines a saint as anyone who is in Heaven. This includes people recognized on Earth and those who are not. So, figures like Adam and Eve, Moses, and many prophets are called "Saint." In the Orthodox Church, sainthood means being very close to God.

Lutheran Understanding of Saints

In the Lutheran Church, all Christians, whether living or in heaven, are considered saints. However, the church still honors certain saints. This includes some who are also honored by the Catholic Church.

Methodist Perspective on Saints

Methodists do not usually pray to saints or worship them. But they do honor and admire them. Methodists believe all Christians are saints. They often use the term for people from the Bible, Christian leaders, and martyrs. Many Methodist churches are named after saints, like the Twelve Apostles or John Wesley.

Mormons: Latter-day Saints

The beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) are similar to Protestant views. In the New Testament, saints are all those who have been baptized. "Latter-day" means members live in the "latter days" before the Second Coming of Christ. So, members are often called "Latter-day Saints" or "LDS." Among themselves, they simply say "Saints."

Oriental Orthodox Churches and Saints

Churches like the Syriac Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Ethiopian Orthodox, Eritrean Orthodox, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, and Armenian Apostolic Church recognize saints. They have their own ways of doing so. For example, the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria officially declares saints. This is done with the approval of the church's Holy Synod. A rule in the Coptic Orthodox faith is that at least 50 years must pass after a saint's death before they can be officially recognized.

Other Christian Groups

Some Christian groups do not believe in the idea of the Communion of Saints. Some think that all who have died are in a "soul sleep" until the final resurrection on Judgment Day. Others believe the dead go to Paradise or Tartarus to wait for judgment. Certain groups do not believe that the dead have any connection with the living.

Protestant Views on Saints

In many Protestant churches, "saint" is a general term for any Christian. This is like how Paul used the word in the New Testament. Any Christian is a "saint" because of their connection with Christ Jesus. Many Protestants believe that praying to saints is idolatry. They think prayers should only be given to God.

Roman Catholicism and Saints

The Catholic Church teaches that it does not make anyone a saint. Instead, it recognizes a saint. In the Church, the title of Saint means a person has been canonized (officially recognized) by the Catholic Church. This means they are believed to be in Heaven.

Because the Church believes all people in Heaven are saints, many people are thought to be in Heaven even if they haven't been officially declared saints. Sometimes, "saint" is also used for Christians still living on Earth.

The veneration of saints, also called the "cult of the saints," means showing devotion to a particular saint. This is sometimes called "worship," but in an old sense meaning "to honor or respect." The Catholic Church teaches that true worship is only for God. Saints can be asked for help, just like you might ask a friend on Earth to pray for you.

A saint might be a patron saint for a cause, profession, or against illnesses. Saints are not thought to have their own power. They only have power given by God.

How Someone Becomes a Saint

A very holy person can be declared a saint through a formal process called canonization. This process is long and can take many years, even centuries.

The first step is an investigation into the person's life by an expert. This report goes to the local bishop, who does more studying. Then, it is sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

If approved, the person may be called "Venerable." More investigations can lead to their beatification, where they are called "Blessed." To be formally declared a saint, at least two important miracles must have happened after the person died. Finally, the Pope officially canonizes the saint.

Once a person is declared a saint, their body is considered holy. The remains of saints are called holy relics and are often kept in churches. Their personal belongings can also be used as relics. Some saints have a symbol that represents their life.

Saints in Other Religions

The word "saint" is not only used in Christianity. In many religions, there are people recognized for reaching high spiritual goals. In English, "saint" is often used to describe this idea in different world religions.

African Diaspora Religions

Religions like Cuban Santería, Haitian Vodou, Brazilian Umbanda, and Candomblé adopted Catholic saints. They use the images of saints and connect their own spirits or gods to them. These figures are honored in churches (as saints) and in religious festivals (as gods). The name santería originally meant worship of saints that differed from Catholic ways.

Buddhism

Buddhists highly respect Arhats and Arahants. They also honor Bodhisattvas and Buddhas.

Discordianism

In Discordianism, anyone or anything, living or dead, can be named a saint. Anyone can declare someone or something a saint. This is because "moral perfection isn't necessary for Discordian Sainthood. You just have to suffer a lot."

Hinduism

Some people are described as Hindu saints. They are often called Sant, Mahatma, Paramahamsa, or Swami. They might also use the titles Sri or Srila.

Islam

The Arabic word wali (plural Awliyā') is often translated as "Saint." However, a wali is different from the Christian idea of sainthood. An early Islamic scholar, Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tahawi, wrote:

We do not prefer any of the saintly men among the Ummah over any of the Prophets. We say that any one of the Prophets is better than all the awliya' put together. We believe in what we know of Karamat, the marvels of the awliya' and in authentic stories about them from trustworthy sources.

Unlike Prophets, awliya can be male or female. One famous female saint is Rabi`a al-Adawiyya.

Many in Islam believe the "saint of saints" is Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of Muhammad. All Sufi orders come from his teachings. In Sufism, major wali are seen as masters of spiritual purity. Some Islamic groups respect the Hadrat (a title for Sufi saints).

Judaism

The word Tzadik means "righteous." Its meaning developed in Rabbinic thought. It was explored in Ethical literature and became spiritual in Kabbalah. In Hasidic Judaism, the role of the Tzadik became very important.

Sikhism

The idea of sant or bhagat is found in North Indian religious thought, including Sikhism. Figures like Kabir, Ravidas, and Nanak are seen as part of the Sant tradition. Some of their mystical writings are in the Guru Granth Sahib. The term "Sant" is sometimes used for living people in Sikh and related communities.

Images for kids

Teresa of Ávila pictured with a halo. In Christian iconography, saints may also be depicted with wreaths, palm branches, and white lilies.
A portrait depicting Saint Francis of Assisi by the Italian artist Cimabue (1240–1302)
Mosaics of saints in Church of the Savior on Blood, Saint Petersburg, Russia
"Scripture does not teach calling on the saints or pleading for help from them. For it sets before us Christ alone as mediator, atoning sacrifice, high priest, and intercessor."—A.C. Article XXI.