In the Catholic tradition, the concept of sainthood encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, deeply rooted in the faith’s history, theology, and practice of venerating those believed to have led lives of exemplary virtue and holiness.
This guide explores the multifaceted understanding of what it means to be a saint in the Catholic Church, drawing from historical practices, theological principles, and the process that leads to official recognition of sainthood.
The path to canonization involves several rigorous stages, designed to thoroughly investigate the life and virtues of the candidate:
You can also find out more about Popes who have been sainted, here.
Ireland’s Influential Monastic Pioneer In Irish history, few figures embody the spirit of early Christian monasticism quite like St. Kenneth. Born in the 6th century, this prominent saint played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity throughout Ireland and Scotland, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual make up of the British Isles. Early Life and …
Saint Kenan, also known as Cianán or Cianán of Duleek, was an early Irish saint and one of the key figures in the Christianization of Ireland during the 6th century. He is best known as the first bishop of Duleek, a town in County Meath, Ireland, where he founded a monastery. Historical accounts indicate that …
Saint Rita of Cascia, known as the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes, has a life story filled with miracles, faith, and unwavering devotion. Here are ten fascinating facts about this incredible saint that you might not know: 🌹 1. Miraculous Roses in Winter Did you know St. Rita’s family garden bloomed with a rose in …
Saint Philomena is the patron saint of infants, babies, and youth. She is also known as “The Wonderworker”. There is not a lot known about St. Philomena other than she was a Greek princess who died at the young age of 13 years old. It was said that she became a virgin martyr. In May …
Saint Christopher is a figure revered in Christianity, known primarily as the patron saint of travelers. His story, blending history with legend, has been a source of inspiration and devotion among Christians for centuries. According to the most popular legend, Christopher was a Canaanite man of great size and strength who lived during the 3rd …
Saint Fanchea of Rossory, recognized across various Christian denominations, was a notable figure in early Christian Ireland, born into nobility as one of Conall Derg of Oriel’s four daughters. Choosing a life of religious devotion over secular nobility, she founded the Rossory Monastery on the shores of Lough Erne with her sister Darenia’s assistance. Fanchea …
Below is an A to Z list of Irish Saints. This list of Irish saints aims to provide a general overview of the saints who were born in Ireland or who are revered there. The majority of these saints lived in early Christian Ireland, from the fourth to the tenth centuries, a time when the …
His full name, Titus Flavius Clemens, is given by Eusebius and Photius in the title of the Stromateis. The remarkable coincidence of the name with that of the nephew of Vespasian and consul in 95 cannot have been accidental, but we have no direct evidence of Clement’s connection with the imperial Flavian family. Perhaps he …
Ignatius, St. (called Theophorus), Oct. 17, the 2nd bp. of Antioch (c. 70–c. 107), between Evodius and Hero. He is sometimes reckoned the 3rd bishop, St. Peter being reckoned the first. The question of the life and writings of Ignatius, including the connected subject of the Ep. of Polycarp to the Philippians, has been described …
Polycarpus, bishop of Smyrna, one of the most prominent figures in the church of the 2nd century. He owes this prominence less to intellectual ability, which does not appear to have been pre-eminent, than to the influence gained by a consistent and unusually long life. Born some 30 years before the end of the 1st …
St Columbanus was a missionary in Ireland known as Columbanus before becoming a saint. Many historians know him for his work in encouraging others to confess their sins and the monasteries that he established in Italy and France. This article will look at some of the surviving details about the life of St Columbanus. Quick …
St. Colmcille or St Columba, was one of several men who lived and worked in Ireland during the sixth century and later became saints. He is the patron saint of Derry, which was where he spent most of his life. We’ll address the life and times of Colmcille as well as the Churches that recognize …
Known as St. Brendan the Navigator and Brendan of Clonfert, this Catholic saint was Irish and remembered for his travels. Many churches and schools around the world use his name, especially those in Ireland the United States. We created this article to help you learn more about the life and times of St. Brendan. Quick …
St Ita is a patron saint who worked as a nun in Ireland for many years. Many pray to her when dealing with eye diseases, but she’s also a popular saint for pregnant women. This article will go over the life and sainthood of St. Ita. Interesting Facts About St Ita *Feast Day: January 15 …
St. Owen was a Benedictine monk who dies in 680 A.D. His feast day is on March 4th. Bede mentions St. Owen as a monk of great faith. He gave up opportunities for a distinguished career to serve God instead. When he came with Queen Etheldreda from East Anglia, he was the governor of her …
Saint Melangell was born in Wales and died in 590. Her feast day is celebrated on May 27th. She was the daughter of an Irish king who dedicated her life to God. According to Thomas Pennant, a Welsh antiquarian who related her history, her father had desired that she marry a nobleman. The princess refused, …
Saint Kevin of Glendalough was born in the year 498 in West Wicklow, Ireland and died in the year 618. He is also known as Coemgen, which means fair begotten in Irish. He was confirmed as a saint in 1903 by Pope Pius X. At a young age he was sent to study under the …
St. Brigid is one of the three patron saints of Ireland. You might see her name listed as Brigid of Ireland or Brigid of Kildare in honour of her roots. You can find out about the work that she did during her life and how she helped those in her home country in this article. …
An Undocumented Saint? The 1974 edition of The Lives of the Saints does not list a “St. Odrian”, or anyone with a similar version of that name. However, some online websites do refer incorrectly to an individual named Odrian as a Catholic Saint. For example, the website CatholicSaints.info describes a St. Odrian as a Bishop …
Saint Gibrian was the eldest of ten children born in Ireland in the late 5th century A.D. There were 7 brothers and 3 sisters, all of whom traveled from Ireland to France where they first settled in Brittany before moving to the Chalons-sur-Marne region where there still exists a small commune named for St. Gibrian. …
