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==Saints in Catholicism==

==Saints in Roman Catholicism==

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.  

By one common definition of the word, a '''saint''' is a person who has been recognized by a [[Christian]] [[denomination]] and approved for public and private veneration. <ref>Canon 1186 [http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4D.HTM]</ref> Saints, especially those from the Apostolic and Ancient periods of church history, often were [[martyr]]s  (people who died for their faith or for another person).  

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

In [[Catholic]] tradition and law, all

saints are associated with miracles, either in this life or thereafter, through miracles that occur when praying to them after their deaths.  Catholic and [[Eastern Orthodox]] doctrine holds that saints are able to intercede with God on behalf of living persons or for mankind generally.

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.

Saints in Roman Catholicism are canonized according to a process which first requires election by any among the 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. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, the way that saints are selected is throuhg achieving a consensus of the faithful, i.e. the church members.  

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 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. He also 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 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>

Among Catholics, 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. [[Augustine]], [[St. Patrick]], [[St. Francis of Assisi]], St. [[Theresa of Avila]] and St. [[Pius X]].

 

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

==Saints in Protestant Tradition==

==Saints in Protestant Tradition==

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>

Because the formal process of canonization described above is a distinctly Catholic rite which requires acceptance of the authority of the Vatican to recognize saints for public veneration, Protestants adhere to a different methodology. Among [[Lutherans]] and some other Protestants, the only saints generally accepted are those who are clearly indicated in scripture, such as the Twelve Apostles. [[Anglicans]] have canonized saints by action of a church convention or, in the case of the [[Church of England]], by Parliament. Other Protestant bodies prefer to apply the word to any true believer. This accords with the [[New Testament]]'s usage.<ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html What Are Christian Saints According to the Bible?]</ref> Peter referred to all believers as priests and ministers of Christ, and, in addition, as "a holy nation". <ref>See for example, [[First Epistle of Peter]], 2:9</ref>

Lutherans and Methodists recognize certain saints as themselves praying for the salvation of mankind and therefore recommend them for their faith and acts as good examples to follow. Lutheran and Methodist churches prohibit praying to saints.  Among mainstream Protestant denominations only the Anglican Church permits veneration of saints.

Lutherans and [[Methodists]] hold that deceased believers may pray for the living and commend them for their faith and acts and as good examples to follow. Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and most other Protestant churches prohibit praying to saints, however.  

==References==

==References==