Two new saints – Popes, John XXIII and John Paul II have been recognized by the Catholic Church.

Recognized.

Not voted in, not awarded. Recognized.

What is a saint?

Saints, broadly speaking, are those who follow Jesus Christ and live their lives according to his teaching. Catholics, however, also use the term narrowly to refer to especially holy men and women who, through extraordinary lives of virtue, have already entered Heaven. 

How does the church know someone should be recognized as a saint?

Through a long process called Canonization. This process does not make someone a saint. It recognizes what God has already done.

Do you pray to saints?

No. We pray with the saints. We ask for their intercession. In the same way that I might ask you to pray with me, I have asked saints in heaven to pray with me as well.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and pleasing to God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:1–4)

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Now for our hypothetical conversation:

But Kate – I’ve heard you say – “pray to St. Anthony…, etc”.

Yes, I had the exact same question in college when I was converting to Catholicism.

You converted?

I did.

Growing up I was nondenominational charismatic (until about 2nd grade) and then Methodist.

I like to tease my parents that it is their fault that I converted because I loved The Sound of Music so much.

When a Catholic says “pray to St. Anthony”, that means to ask St. Anthony to intercede for us. And remember – we don’t believe that saints have the power to fulfill our request – only God does.

So you ask saints in heaven and people here on earth to pray for you?

Yes, we approach saints the same way I would approach my mother and grandmother.

Then why would you ask a saint to pray for you? Why wouldn’t you just ask your mother and grandmother?

Saints are in heaven! They are with our Lord and Savior! They are without the worldly distractions that burden us. Why wouldn’t I ask them to intercede for me?