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The Saints of the Catholic Church - History and BiographyLearn 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.
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. 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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. |
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