A saint is someone who lived a holy life, loving God and others, and is now with God in heaven. The Church canonizes some saints so we can learn from them and ask for their prayers.
The communion of saints is the whole family of God: the Church on earth (that's us!), those who have died and are being purified, and the saints in heaven. We are all connected in Christ.
We help one another with prayer. We pray for those who have died, and the saints in heaven pray for us.
Here are a few saints to get to know:
- Saint Francis of Assisi, who loved the poor and all of God's creation.
- Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, whose “Little Way” means doing small things with great love.
- Saint Martin de Porres, who cared for the sick and the poor in Peru.
- Saint Josephine Bakhita, who was once enslaved and learned to forgive.
- Saint Carlo Acutis, a teenager who loved the Eucharist and used computers to share the faith.
Every one of us is called to be a saint. Holiness is not only for a few special people: it is for you!