If you ask a person if they want to go to heaven, they will most likely say, “Yes.” Ask the same person if he or she wants to be a saint, and the answer will probably be, “Oh, I could never be a saint!” What is curious about those responses is that they do not jibe; everyone in heaven is, by definition, a saint.

As far as canonized saints go, a search tells me that although we cannot be sure of an exact count, the Catholic Church formally recognizes about 11,000 people as saints. Our modern popes have wanted to help the laity understand that we do not have to be priests and religious to be saints. Pope Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis have canonized 482 and 912 saints respectively during their tenures – that is almost 13% of recognized saints. They represent men and women from all cultures, socio-economic statuses, vocations, and ages. Their stories are diverse; the thing they have in common is their love for God and their choice to serve Him in the way they were called.

That all being said, there are more that 11,000 people in heaven, and the anonymous saints, men and women who love God and chose to live their life well from all over the world and since time eternal, far outnumber the canonized ones. In fact, in his letters to the churches, St. Paul refers to all earthly believers as saints, making the point that if we choose to serve God here on earth, we are in the first stage of heaven now.

So, if your mother, father, grandparent, or thoughtful neighbor were faithful, loving people and you believe they are in heaven, pray to them. Saint Dad, Saint Mom, Saint Grandparent, Saint Neighbor are before God’s throne and in the perfect place to intercede for you. If you are living a virtuous life also, so that you can go to heaven, the people in your life will be able to pray to Saint You too!

Scripture: Read Colossians 1:1-2 in the Revised Standard Edition Bible. What stands out?

Call to Action:  The “Laudate” app lists the daily saints with short bios. It is very enlightening and inspiring to read about these virtuous people who persevered through their time of tumult and personal adversity. Download the “Laudate” app and read through some of their stories every day.