The Study of Saints and why it's Important

Sainthood…that title given by the Catholic Church that seems to
draw so much criticism from so many denominations. The mere
mention of it angers some people. It’s not so much the title
itself that draws attention but the dogma that prayer to those
saints is helpful to the living. And while opponents of such an
idea try to distance themselves from Catholic theology, they
miss out on a big benefit of this ‘disagreeable’ doctrine. 

As they venture further from Catholicism (like the Church is an
embarrassing ancestor that people try to keep in the closet)
they stop any real honor of holy men in Church history. The mere
study of their devout becomes a sin, and the only ones mentioned
in their washed-out history books are the ones who’s only
accomplishment was extreme opposition to Catholicism. And
ignoring the lives of the saints only leaves them with a
terrible void…one that should’ve been filled by an incredible
gift from God.

That gift isn’t so much the greatness of men and women who have
dedicated their lives to the greater glory of God (and the
beneficial fruits that come from this) but the display of
diversity within the God’s Church. As we study the life of Jesus
(and try to imitate it) there’s always the alluring temptation
to give up, because he was God, and not being God, how could we
hope to replicate such holiness.

But in the study of saints, we don’t always focus on the
man...but on specific characteristics of a man. Pope John Paul
II, for example (who’ll no doubt receive the title some day),
brought us an attitude of peace and the promotion of a “culture
of life”. Yes, he was smart, prayerful, holy, and had all the
other markings of a saint. But history (while it might mention
these other things) will always point to his accomplishments in
the promotion of peace and unity. The Church will always see him
as a shining example of what a peaceful man should be. Someone
with a weakness for anger will always see his life as source of
inspiration.

A quick look through the lives of the saints reveals thousands
of such characteristics. St. Thomas Aquinas was the intellectual
giant. St. Francis of Assisi showed us how to live a life of
poverty. St. Catherine of Sienna reflects a deep love for
Christ. St. Bernadette’s simplicity (and obedience) gives us a
powerful example of what God can accomplish through unlikely
channels.

As each of these saints had prominent virtues in their lives,
each of these virtues have a contrasting weakness or tendency
that we’re forced to fight throughout our own existence. And
that’s why we contemplate on their lives. Not just for example
and inspiration, but because they signify that such perfections
in virtue are possible…even for someone without a divine nature.