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A '''saint''' is a person who has been recognized by the [[Catholic Church]] or the [[Orthodox Church]] or the [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]] as doing great works or making a great personal [[sacrifice]] for the [[Christian]] [[church]].  Saints, especially early saints in Christian history, were often [[martyr]]s.  Many saints are often associated with miracles, either in this life, or, in the Catholic tradition, through miracles that occur when praying to them after death.  

A '''saint''' is a person, such as the Blessed Virgin Mother, who has been commended by the [[Catholic Church]] for public veneration. <ref>Canon 1186 [http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4D.HTM]</ref> Saints, especially early saints in Catholic history, were often [[martyr]]s.  All saints are associated with miracles, either in this life, or, through miracles that occur when praying to them after death.  

In Catholic and Orthodox doctrine, saints are believed to be able to intercede on behalf of mankind before God.

In Catholic and Orthodox doctrine, saints are believed to be able to intercede on behalf of mankind before God.

Persons recognized as saints must first be [[beatified]] (After which the deceased person is given the title 'Blessed') and then [[canonized]] by the [[Pope]]. Usually a person is canonized if at least three miracles have been performed by them through lay people asking the deceased to intercede with [[God]] on their behalf. These miracles must be thoroughly investigated by church authorities and declared valid before canonization occurs.

Saints are canonized according to a process which first requires election by any faithful to the Vatican Sacred Congregation. The election is made by written petition, which, in the case of a recently living person, requires eyewitness testimony to his miracles. In the case of an ancient cause, only written testimony of the elected person's miracles are admissible. For both ancient and recent causes, the petitioner must make a "chronologically arranged report on the life and deeds of the Servant of God, on his virtues or martyrdom, on his reputation of sanctity and of signs." The cause's miracles, martyrdom, and virtues are examined by the presiding Bishop of the Sacred Congregation. <ref>New Laws for the Causes of Saints (1983)[http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_07021983_norme_en.html]</ref> Usually a person is canonized if at least three miracles have been performed by them through lay people asking the deceased to intercede with [[God]] on their behalf. These miracles must be thoroughly investigated by church authorities and declared valid before canonization occurs.

Many martyrs, people who died either for their faith or for another person, are recognized as saints based upon what [[Jesus]] said; the greatest commandments are to love God with your whole heart and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself. Also, when he told His disciples that 'greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'

Many martyrs, people who died either for their faith or for another person, are recognized as saints based upon what [[Jesus]] said; the greatest commandments are to love God with your whole heart and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself. Also, when he told His disciples that 'greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'

The Queen of Saints is [[Mary]], the Mother of Jesus the savior, also known as the Blessed Virgin. The feast of All Saints is November 1st preceded by All Hallow's Eve which refers to [[All Saints Day]].

The Queen of Saints is the Blessed Virgin [[Mary]], the Mother of Jesus Christ the savior. Her special and filial reverence as the Mother of Christ is commended to all Catholics "[t]o foster the sanctification of the people of God." <ref>Canon 1186 [http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4D.HTM]</ref>

Notable Saints include the [[Twelve Apostles]], St. [[Paul]], [[St. Patrick]], St. Francis of Assisi, St. [[Theresa of Avila]] and St. Katharine Drexel.

Notable Saints include the [[Twelve Apostles]], St. [[Paul]], [[St. Patrick]], [[St. Francis of Assisi]], St. [[Theresa of Avila]] and St. Katharine Drexel.

The [[New Testament]] uses the word "saint" to mean any Christian, and many [[Protestant]]s adhere to that usage.<ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html What Are Christian Saints According to the Bible?]</ref>

 

Because the formal process of canonization is a distinctly Catholic rite which requires acceptance of the authority of the Vatican to recognize saints for public veneration, many Protestants adhere to a different usage of the word "saint" derived from the [[New Testament]] to mean any Christian believer.<ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html What Are Christian Saints According to the Bible?]</ref> Peter frequently refers to all believes as priests and ministers of Christ, and a holy nation.<ref>See for example, [[First Epistle of Peter]], 2:9</ref>

 

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