The search field can be used to search character traits, saints’ names, or causes they are known for. Just type in the search field, and the respective saints will be automatically displayed.
To open and close the menu filter, select the “Filter” button located on the right-hand side. To open and close the filter items, click on the tabs and/or arrows.’
The saints are automatically sorted by “Well-Known.” To change that, select “Sort by” tab and click on “All Saints,” or, shown above the saints’ images, select “Clear All” or select the “X” on “Well-Known.”
You can filter for the first letter of a saint’s name by clicking on any letters in the alphabet.
To filter by date, select the “Feast Date” tab and then click on the desired month and day, and the saints with that feast day will automatically filter.
The “Cause” tab filters by categories of what the saints are known for. Select one or more of the categories, and the respective saints will be automatically displayed.
You can also filter by region where the saints are known to have lived. Just scroll and select the country or continent, and the applicable saints will be automatically displayed.
To adjust your filter items, you can unselect any selected items in their tabs, click on the “X” on the active button(s) shown above the saints, or select the “Clear All” link.
The process for becoming a saint within the Catholic Church is a complex and rigorous one, involving several stages and careful scrutiny. The journey towards sainthood begins at the local level, where the individual is first recognized as a Servant of God.
This title is given to someone whose life and virtues are deemed worthy of further investigation. Usually, a person who acts as an advocate for the candidate presents a petition to the local bishop to initiate the cause for canonization.
Once the cause for canonization is accepted, the individual progresses to the next stage, becoming a Venerable.
At this point, a thorough examination of the candidate's life, writings, and reputation for holiness takes place. A collection of their writings is compiled and submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome for review.
If this submission is deemed satisfactory, the candidate may advance to the next stage and be declared Blessed.
To achieve beatification, evidence of a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate must be verified. Miracles often involve miraculous healings that cannot be explained by medical science. The investigation of miracles is meticulously conducted by medical professionals, theologians, and experts appointed by the Church.
Finally, for an individual to be canonized as a saint, a second miracle is required. The verification process for the second miracle follows a similar path to the first one. Once this miracle is confirmed, the candidate is canonized and proclaimed as Saint
by the Pope. Canonization is considered an infallible statement by the Church, affirming that the person is indeed in Heaven and worthy of veneration.
The process for becoming a saint in as arduous one, requiring a significant amount of time, research, and divine intervention. It serves as a means for the Church to carefully discern and authenticate the holiness and sanctity of an individual, while also providing a model of virtue and intercession for the faithful to emulate.
When a saint is referred to as a patron
of something, it means that they are considered a special intercessor or protector for a particular group of people, occupation, activity, or even a specific place. Saints can be associated with various patronages based on their own life experiences, virtues, or the circumstances surrounding their sainthood.
For example, Saint Francis of Assisi is often known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. This is because of his deep love and care for nature and his belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. People often seek his intercession for the well-being of animals and the preservation of the environment.
Similarly, Saint Cecilia is regarded as the patroness of music and musicians. This association comes from a legend that tells of her singing to God in her heart, even during her martyrdom. Musicians and those involved in the arts often seek her guidance and prayers for inspiration and success in their creative endeavors.
The designation of a saint as a patron is based on the belief that they have a special closeness to God and can act as intermediaries on behalf of those who call upon them. They are seen as powerful allies who can offer guidance, protection, and spiritual assistance in specific areas of life. People often turn to their patron saints in times of need, asking for their intercession and support.