Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Everyday Life • Religion

Saint

A saint is a person regarded as especially holy or close to the sacred in several religious traditions, especially Christianity.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

A saint is a person regarded as especially holy or close to the sacred, most commonly in Christianity, though the term also appears in other religions.

What it is

The word comes from Latin *sanctus*, meaning “holy.” In the New Testament, it often refers to all Christians generally. In Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, it also applies to individuals formally or informally recognized for exceptional holiness, virtue, or martyrdom.

Key details

Roman Catholicism uses canonization as an official declaration of sainthood. Eastern Orthodox Christianity also venerates saints, but its recognition practices differ. Many Protestant traditions use “saints” to mean all believers in Christ. Outside Christianity, the term is used for revered holy persons in other religions.

Why it matters

The concept of sainthood shapes how believers understand holiness, community, and intercession. In Canada, Christians from Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant churches each use the term in distinct ways, reflecting broader theological differences.

In short

  • Saint derives from Latin *sanctus*, meaning “holy.”
  • In Roman Catholicism, canonization formally declares someone a saint.
  • Eastern Orthodox and Protestant traditions have different approaches to sainthood.
  • The term also appears in non-Christian religions for holy figures.
Canadian angle

Canadian Christians belong to traditions that use the term differently, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant churches across Canada.

Quick questions

What does “saint” mean?
A saint is a person regarded as holy or especially close to the sacred. In Christianity, the term can mean all believers or specifically revered holy people, depending on the denomination.
What is canonization?
Canonization is the formal process, used in Roman Catholicism, by which the Church declares a deceased person to be a saint.
Is the term used only in Christianity?
No. Similar ideas of saints or holy people appear in other religions, though the meaning and authority structure vary.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint
    Supports: General definition of saint in Christian belief and broad usage.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/saint
    Supports: Definition of saint across religions and mention of canonization in Roman Catholicism.
  3. American Bible Society — https://www.americanbible.org/news/articles/please-tell-me-the-definition-of-a-saint/
    Supports: Christian/Biblical use of saints and canonization in Catholic tradition.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/saint
    Supports: Historical development of sainthood and canonization in the Roman Catholic Church.
  5. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Saint
    Supports: Differences in saint usage among Orthodox and Protestant traditions.