The Many Faces of Holiness: Understanding the Seven Traditional Categories of Saints
The Many Faces of Holiness: Understanding the Seven Traditional Categories of Saints
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT - “Cloud of witnesses”
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us."
- Hebrews 12:1
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "The witnesses who have preceded us into the kingdom, especially those whom the Church recognizes as saints, share in the living tradition of prayer by the example of their lives, the transmission of their writings, and their prayer today. They contemplate God, praise him and constantly care for those whom they have left on earth." It is their role in heaven to intercede for us and pray for us! Here are the categories of saints the Church gives to us:
Apostles
Original leaders of the Church who exercised Apostolic Authority, called by Christ, and sent to proclaim the Gospel. These included the original Twelve Apostles (minus Judas Iscariot), Saint Matthias (Judas’ replacement), Saint Paul, and Saint Barnabas. Today, this is a closed category.
Evangelists
The four authors of the canonical Gospels. They include Saint Matthew (Apostle), Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John (Apostle). Today, this is a closed category.
Martyrs
Those who died for the Faith, bearing witness even unto death. The Church teaches martyrdom is the supreme witness to Christ. Saint Stephen was the protomartyr (first martyr), as well as most of the Apostles, not including Saint John. This category is still open, even today, for those who give their lives for the Christian Faith.
Doctors of the Church
These are Saints whose writings and teachings are considered to be especially authoritative. They include Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Therese of Lisieux, as well as 32 other Saints. The last addition to this category was Saint John Henry Newman in November 2025.
Pastors
This category covers Bishops, Priests, and Popes who have shepherded the Church with holiness, and it is still an open category. These include Saint Leo the Great, Saint John Neumann, and Saint John Bosco.
Virgins
Women how have consecrated their lives to Christ in perfect chastity. These Saints highlight total dedication, purity of life, and spiritual union with Christ the Bridegroom. Notable women in this category are Saint Agnes, Saint Cecilla, and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.
Holy Men & Women
This is a broad category including lay saints, religious, missionaries, founders, and others. These Saints do not fit in the other categories, but their lives highlighted the beautiful truth of holiness in every state of life. These Saints include Saint Joesph, Saint Francis & Clare of Assisi, Saint Thomas More, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta
All you holy men and women, pray for us!
