How does someone become a saint?
Catechism Meditation:
By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors. “The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church’s history.” Indeed, “holiness is the hidden source and infallible measure of her apostolic activity and missionary zeal.” ―No. 828
REFLECTION. Sainthood is a title of utmost dignity and respect in the Catholic faith. To become a saint, one must be canonized by the Pope, and be included among the ranks with those who have achieved the highest level of virtue throughout their lives. There is no set age limit for a person to be eligible for sainthood. It’s a common misconception to think that canonized saints lived perfect lives. The truth is that many faced significant challenges and periods of doubt that they overcame with the grace of God, something many of us can relate to. In the words of St. Augustine, “Every Saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” The Catholic Church believes that anyone can become a saint—that is someone who makes it to heaven. Whether you are a priest, a religious sister, a single person, etc., the Catholic Church calls all men and women, whatever their state in life, to seek holiness and sainthood.
In her article for Catholic365: Do You Want to Become a Saint?, Mallory Hoffman provides 20 easy ways to make it happen: “(1) Look straight ahead at God. Make Him first in your life. Never take your eyes off of Him. (2) Pray. Pray every minute, every hour, and every day. Never lose that communication with God. He will change you and lead you in His Paths. (3) Obey the commandments. (4) Receive the sacraments frequently. (5) Use the gift of the Sacrament of a Reconciliation regularly. (6) Love God. Strive to do His Holy Will which is Love. (7) Attend Mass, especially on Sundays. (8) Praise God. Rejoice in His Holy Will. (9) Reject sin. When you sin, seek reconciliation in the confessional. (10) Repent. Strive to overcome your weaknesses. Confess. (11) Be kind to others, but most importantly, be kind to yourself. (12) Fast. Yes, I said fast. (13) Read Sacred Scripture daily. Listen to the Word of God as He speaks to you in scripture. (14) Offer your sufferings to God. There is great value in suffering. (15) Surrender your life to God. Let Him direct your life. No matter which path He chooses for you, know that it is His will. (16) Trust God. (17) Let God be God. Don’t stand in His way. Let Him work the miracles. Know that you are not in charge. (18) Rejoice in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit! (19) Receive the Eucharist with love and devotion. Know that the Eucharist is Jesus, our King and brother. (20) Adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.”
PRAYER. Lord Jesus, I want to be a saint, so I follow Your teaching, Your example, and Your way of life.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“The essence of sanctity is the external love of mankind as sons of God, because of the interior love of the Father―it does not require much time to make us saints―it takes only much love.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen