Why do we honor the saints?

Saint Angela

Saint Ursula

Honoring the saints is a uniquely Catholic practice.  From earliest times the Christian community has recognized some women and men served as models in the way they lived lives of faithfulness, committed to their God.  Contrary to the beliefs of some, Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints.  We worship only God.  But we do honor the saints because they became whole and holy to the best of their ability, just as God intended them to be. 

By reason of our baptism all of us are called to be whole and holy.  We are invited by our loving God to become our best possible persons because God has created and called us to holiness.  We, too, are to model for others what a faithful and committed Christian is supposed to be.  We are called to be women and men who love our God, love ourselves and love our neighbors.  Our words and actions should reflect this great commandment.  In the process of trying to live this way we are becoming our best persons and are becoming holy.  We are becoming saints.

Reflection Questions

• What saint is a model for me to imitate? 

• Do I recognize the goodness and holiness in people I know or meet daily? 

• Am I growing, changing, and becoming more holy each day by loving my God, myself and others? 

• Am I model of faithful love for and commitment to God?