A saint for almost everyone

"Saint" derives from the Latin "sanctus," or holy. In the Bible (Colossians I) it simply refers to Christians generally, but today it means something more. Exactly what is brought to mind anew with the Vatican's announcement of two more, both former popes: The very popular John Paul II, and John XXIII - the latter without the typically seen second miracle. That's seen, not required. Councils of bishops may be involved, but the sitting pope has final say.

Saints are not just for Catholics. Think of the patron saints, and how many people wear their medals or pray to them, believe in their power to protect: Saints George and Joan for soldiers; Anne for moms and Joseph for dads; Francis de Sales for writers and teachers. Got a migraine or fever? Ask St. Severus for a little help.

So how did the two newbies get tapped to join more than 10,000 already in sainthood? They had already been beatified. What's the difference?

Beatification confers the title "Blessed" and is the Catholic Church's determination that a deceased person can intercede on behalf of the living who pray to them. Canonization ("canon" means simply list) makes one a saint. The first saints were martyrs, sacrificing or dying for their religious beliefs. Over time sainthood evolved to also include "confessors" whose piety and example were witnessed through life. Note the veneration of female saints includes always "virgin" or "widow," yet the marital status of men is not mentioned.

Yes, some were married. Saints were also slaves and kings, parents and children, deaf and blind, artists and physicians, lawyers and journalists. Witnesses said some could levitate.

With Polish Pope John Paul II, the road to sainthood began almost immediately after his death in 2005. At his public funeral in Italy the crowds shouted, "santo subito," sainthood now. The soft-spoken John Paul II compassionately and diplomatically guided the Vatican through the cold war and is credited with two miracles of healing; one was posthumous. He publicly forgave his own would-be assassin. They say he cured a French nun of Parkinson's - the same disease that afflicted him. It's said that after his death and beatification, a second woman was healed through prayer to him.

Italian Pope John XXII - famous for his portliness (the "roly-poly pope"), humility and openness to church change and social justice - got there with only one attributed miracle, because current pope Francis approved it. According to Canon Law (lists of Catholic rules), the candidate must simply have lived an "extraordinary life" through "ordinary events." This is determined at least five years after death with input from "the faithful" and bishops, examination of the candidate's writings, and "nihil obstat" - a sort of veto power of the pope.

While things were casual until the 10th century and saints were sometimes created without the official church, after the first recorded canonization of Ulrich in 993 the process became continually more complex. Ironically it was soon-to-be-saint John Paul II who simplified and streamlined the canonization process. Expect the ceremony by end of the year.

Curious about patron saints who match your life? See full lists at catholic-forum.com and http://saints.sqpn.com.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].