How many living saints are there? This question has intrigued many people, as the concept of a living saint is both fascinating and enigmatic. In the Catholic Church, saints are individuals who have lived exemplary lives of holiness, performing miracles, and spreading the faith. While the number of recognized saints throughout history is vast, determining the exact number of living saints is a more complex task.
Firstly, it is important to clarify that the term “saint” is not exclusively used in the Catholic Church. Other Christian denominations, as well as other religions, have their own criteria for recognizing holy individuals. However, for the purpose of this article, we will focus on the Catholic perspective. In the Catholic Church, a person must undergo a rigorous process of investigation and approval before being declared a saint.
As of now, there are no official records or statistics that provide an exact number of living saints. This is due to the fact that the process of canonization is lengthy and involves numerous steps. Moreover, the criteria for recognizing a living saint are quite stringent. A person must have lived a life of heroic virtue, performed miracles, and been recognized by the Church as a holy individual.
One of the challenges in identifying living saints is the lack of transparency in the canonization process. The process is confidential, and only a select few individuals have access to the details of each case. Additionally, many individuals who may have lived lives of extraordinary holiness may never come to the attention of the Church due to various reasons, such as a lack of documentation or recognition.
Despite these challenges, there are some notable individuals who are widely recognized as living saints. For example, Mother Teresa, who was canonized in 2016, is often cited as a prime example of a living saint. Her selfless dedication to the poor and marginalized, along with her numerous miracles, have made her a symbol of holiness and compassion.
Another example is Blessed Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), who was beatified in 2003. Her work in spreading the Catholic faith through television and radio has touched the lives of millions, and she is revered as a living saint by many.
In conclusion, while it is difficult to determine the exact number of living saints, there are undoubtedly individuals who have lived lives of extraordinary holiness and are recognized as such by the Catholic Church. The process of canonization is lengthy and requires rigorous investigation, making it a challenging task to identify all living saints. However, the few notable examples we have discussed serve as a testament to the existence of living saints and the profound impact they can have on the world.
