The Saints of the Catholic Church - History and Biography
Learn about the saints of the Catholic Church, from well-known ones, such as St. Mary, St. Peter, and St. Patrick, to lesser-known ones, such as St. Ephrem the Syrian. Find biographies and histories of the saints, along with prayers to, and prayers by, these holy men and women. Connect yourself with the history and spirituality of the Catholic Church by joining in the communion of saints.
Saints 101
Many Christians misunderstand devotion to the saints, those holy men and women who have lived exemplary Christian lives. Just as our life does not end with death, so too our relationships with our fellow members of the Body of Christ continue after their deaths. This Communion of Saints is so important that it is an article of faith in all Christian creeds, from the time of the Apostles' Creed.
Many Christians misunderstand devotion to the saints, those holy men and women who have lived exemplary Christian lives. Just as our life does not end with death, so too our relationships with our fellow members of the Body of Christ continue after their deaths. This Communion of Saints is so important that it is an article of faith in all Christian creeds, from the time of the Apostles' Creed.
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.
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.
Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints?
Do Catholics believe that saints should be worshiped? If not, why do they pray to saints? Is there a difference between prayer and worship?
Do Catholics believe that saints should be worshiped? If not, why do they pray to saints? Is there a difference between prayer and worship?
Patron Saints
Few practices of the Catholic Church are so misunderstood today as devotion to patron saints. Find out more about the history of patron saints, what they do, and how they are chosen.
Few practices of the Catholic Church are so misunderstood today as devotion to patron saints. Find out more about the history of patron saints, what they do, and how they are chosen.
Litany of the Saints
The Litany of the Saints is one of the oldest prayers in continuous use in the Catholic Church. Most commonly recited on All Saints Day, the Litany of the Saints is an excellent prayer for use throughout the year, especially at those times during which we need special guidance or graces.
The Litany of the Saints is one of the oldest prayers in continuous use in the Catholic Church. Most commonly recited on All Saints Day, the Litany of the Saints is an excellent prayer for use throughout the year, especially at those times during which we need special guidance or graces.
Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom
On Easter Sunday, in many Eastern Rite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox parishes, this homily by St. John Chrysostom is read.
On Easter Sunday, in many Eastern Rite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox parishes, this homily by St. John Chrysostom is read.
The Doctors of the Church
The Doctors of the Church are great saints known for their defense and explanation of the truths of the Catholic Faith. There are 33 officially recognized Doctors of the Church.
The Doctors of the Church are great saints known for their defense and explanation of the truths of the Catholic Faith. There are 33 officially recognized Doctors of the Church.
Saint Ambrose of Milan
One of the four original Doctors of the Western Church, Saint Ambrose baptized Saint Augustine when he converted to Christianity.
One of the four original Doctors of the Western Church, Saint Ambrose baptized Saint Augustine when he converted to Christianity.
Saint Augustine of Hippo
One of the four original Doctors of the Western Church, Saint Augustine is best known for his development of the doctrine of Original Sin.
One of the four original Doctors of the Western Church, Saint Augustine is best known for his development of the doctrine of Original Sin.
Saint Jerome
One of the first four Doctors of the Western Church, Saint Jerome was the first to translate the entire Bible into Latin.
One of the first four Doctors of the Western Church, Saint Jerome was the first to translate the entire Bible into Latin.
St. John Chrysostom
One of the first four Eastern Doctors of the Church, St. John Chrysostom was renowned for his oratory.
One of the first four Eastern Doctors of the Church, St. John Chrysostom was renowned for his oratory.
Saint Basil the Great
One of the first four Eastern Fathers of the Church, Saint Basil is the father of Eastern monasticism.
One of the first four Eastern Fathers of the Church, Saint Basil is the father of Eastern monasticism.
St. Gregory Nazianzen
One of the first four Eastern Doctors of the Church, St. Gregory Nazianzen presided at the Council of Constantinople (381) and, with Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, is one of the three Cappadocian Fathers.
One of the first four Eastern Doctors of the Church, St. Gregory Nazianzen presided at the Council of Constantinople (381) and, with Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, is one of the three Cappadocian Fathers.
Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Saint Anthony of Padua, known as the “Hammer of Heretics” and declared a doctor of the Church for his zealous and learned preaching, performed many miracles during his life and, after his death, has been most famously invoked to help find lost items.
Saint Anthony of Padua, known as the “Hammer of Heretics” and declared a doctor of the Church for his zealous and learned preaching, performed many miracles during his life and, after his death, has been most famously invoked to help find lost items.
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria
One of the original four Western Doctors of the Church, Saint Athanasius is best known for his defense of the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy.
One of the original four Western Doctors of the Church, Saint Athanasius is best known for his defense of the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy.
Saint Ephrem the Syrian, Deacon and Doctor of the Church
Saint Ephrem the Syrian, a deacon and doctor of the Church, is best known for his prolific hymn-writing and defense of orthodox trinitarianism against the Arians.
Saint Ephrem the Syrian, a deacon and doctor of the Church, is best known for his prolific hymn-writing and defense of orthodox trinitarianism against the Arians.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, patron of youth, students, and sufferers of pestilence, lived a short life dedicated to prayer, study, and the care of others. He is a very popular saint for young boys to imitate.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, patron of youth, students, and sufferers of pestilence, lived a short life dedicated to prayer, study, and the care of others. He is a very popular saint for young boys to imitate.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Known as the Apostle of the Divine Mercy, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament was a Polish nun who receive frequent revelations and visits from Christ. Learn more about her life, the miracles attributed to her, and the Divine Mercy devotions which she promoted.
Known as the Apostle of the Divine Mercy, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament was a Polish nun who receive frequent revelations and visits from Christ. Learn more about her life, the miracles attributed to her, and the Divine Mercy devotions which she promoted.
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a relatively recent but extremely popular devotion which was revealed by Our Lord to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun. While the chaplet is most often recited between Good Friday and Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), it can be prayed at any time of the year. A standard rosary can be used to recite the chaplet.
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a relatively recent but extremely popular devotion which was revealed by Our Lord to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun. While the chaplet is most often recited between Good Friday and Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), it can be prayed at any time of the year. A standard rosary can be used to recite the chaplet.
Patrology and Study of Patristic Writing
Patrology is the study of the writings of the Fathers of the early Church. Sometimes the early Fathers are divided into the Ante-Nicene writers (until A.D. 325) and the Post-Nicene writers. Others distinguish between Latin and Greek or Eastern and Western writers.
Patrology is the study of the writings of the Fathers of the early Church. Sometimes the early Fathers are divided into the Ante-Nicene writers (until A.D. 325) and the Post-Nicene writers. Others distinguish between Latin and Greek or Eastern and Western writers.
Catholic Encyclopedia : Beatification and Canonization
A wealth of information on the history and procedures of beatification and canonization, the process by which saints are declared in the Catholic Church.
A wealth of information on the history and procedures of beatification and canonization, the process by which saints are declared in the Catholic Church.
Patron Saints Index
There's a patron saint for just about anything you can think of. Search for your patron saints here!
There's a patron saint for just about anything you can think of. Search for your patron saints here!
Catholic Online - Saints Fun Facts
Interesting but little-known facts about various saints, presented in an entertaining cartoon format.
Interesting but little-known facts about various saints, presented in an entertaining cartoon format.