Saints' Names

Sainthood originated in the belief that people who had led a particularly holy life had an exalted place in heaven. Christians began to invoke these people for support when praying to God. The first saints were often martyrs or religious leaders such as the Apostles or the early Popes but later it became necessary to have led an exemplary life and for miracles to have occurred after the saint's name had been invoked. Since the reign of Pope Celestine III in the C12th, there has been a formal procedure to be carried out before a saint can be canonized - adopted into the official list, or Canon, of saints approved by the Church. People can only be nominated after death. They must show worthiness and have three miracles associated with them. When a petition is accepted, there is a service in St Peter's Rome, with the Pope, cardinals and nominators present and a feast day is assigned. Originally, there was a courtroom-style debate with nominators arguing the case for sainthood and a Devil's Advocate arguing against it to test the nominee's worthiness.

This collection of names was compiled by Kate Monk and is ©1997, Kate Monk.

Copies may be made for personal use only.