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==Saints in Roman Catholicism==

==Saints in Catholicism==

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).  

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]] tradition and law, all

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 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, and that miracles may occur as a result.

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.  

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, saints are those whom the whole body of church members believe to be saints.  

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.'

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.'

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]].

Among Roman 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]].

==Saints in Protestant Tradition==

==Saints in Protestant Tradition==