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...
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.
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?
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.
Litany of the Saints
The Litany of the Saints is one of the oldest prayers in continuous use in the Catholic Church. Find the text and history of the Litany of the Saints.
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.
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.
Saint Ambrose of Milan
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.
Saint Jerome
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.
Saint Basil the Great
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.
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 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.
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 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 Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of science, students, and teachers, was martyred for her philosophical defense of the Christian Faith.
Saint Nicholas of Myra, Bishop and Wonder-Worker
Saint Nicholas of Myra is a Christmas icon and one of the most beloved saints of all time. Learn more about this bishop and wonder-worker.
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.
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.
What Saint Anthony Helped Me Find
Every day, thousands (maybe millions!) of Catholics ask Saint Anthony of Padua to intercede for them to help find items that have been lost. Have you invoked Saint Anthony's intercession? Has Saint Anthony helped you find a lost item? Share your story with the other readers of the About.com GuideSite to Catholicism! See submissions
Mother Teresa Stamp From the U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service's Mother Teresa stamp was released on September 5, 2010, the 13th anniversary of Mother Teresa's death, at a special ceremony held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. (Image by Thomas Blackshear II; © USPS)
When Is Saint Patrick's Day?
Saint Patrick's Day commemorates the life of the great apostle of Ireland. Find the date of Saint Patrick's Day.
Saint Benedict of Nursia - Father of Western Monasticism
A short biography of Saint Benedict of Nursia, from the About.com GuideSite to Medieval History.
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.
Patron Saints Index
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.