Dear Jim:

Sorry for the delay in answering. We apparently have a glitch in our system that failed to notify me of your question.

The word "Saint" means, comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious." Iin the context of Catholic practice, "A Saint (with a capital "S") is a person who is recognized as having an exceptional degree of holiness or likeness or closeness to God and who is in Heaven." It is that simple. St. John, St. Benedict, etc. are people whom we honor has holy people close to God and who are in Heaven. There is nothing untoward about the practice.

Contrary to popular opinion, the Catholic Church also uses the word "saint" (with lowercase "s") to refer to the people of God and to refer to that which we should try to attain (that is, to attain holiness and piety) [1 Peter 1:15-16].

In terms of people being called "saints" in the Bible, the word is used in a couple of ways. The word is used generically for the people of God, and also used specifically to people. Therefore, the practice began in the 1st Century.

In the Revised Standard Version of the Bible there are 88 instances of the word "saint." There are 98 instances in the King James Version.

Here are the instances in the RSV:

2 Chronicles 6:41

“And now arise, O Lord God, and go to thy resting place, thou and the ark of thy might. Let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in thy goodness.

Tobit 8:15

Then Rag′uel blessed God and said, “Blessed art thou, O God, with every pure and holy blessing. Let thy saints and all thy creatures bless thee; let all thy angels and thy chosen people bless thee for ever.

Tobit 12:15

I am Raph′ael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One.”

1 Maccabees 7:17

“The flesh of thy saints and their blood they poured out round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.”

Psalm 16:3

As for the saints in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight.

Psalm 30:4

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.

Psalm 31:23

Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly requites him who acts haughtily.

Psalm 34:9

O fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no want!

Psalm 37:28

For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. The righteous shall be preserved for ever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psalm 79:2

They have given the bodies of thy servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of thy saints to the beasts of the earth.

Psalm 85:8

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Psalm 97:10

The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Psalm 132:9

Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints shout for joy.

Psalm 132:16

Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.

Psalm 145:10

All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O Lord, and all thy saints shall bless thee!

Psalm 148:14

He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord!

Proverbs 2:8

guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints.

Wisdom 5:5

Why has he been numbered among the sons of God? And why is his lot among the saints?

Wisdom 18:9

For in secret the holy children of good men offered sacrifices, and with one accord agreed to the divine law, that the saints would share alike the same things, both blessings and dangers; and already they were singing the praises of the fathers.

Daniel 7:18

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, for ever and ever.’

Daniel 7:21

As I looked, this horn made war with the saints, and prevailed over them,

Daniel 7:22

until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints received the kingdom.

Daniel 7:25

He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time.

Daniel 7:27

And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’

Daniel 8:24

His power shall be great, and he shall cause fearful destruction, and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people of the saints.

Matthew 27:52

the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,

Acts 9:13

But Anani′as answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem;

Acts 9:32

[ The Healing of Aeneas ] Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda.

Acts 9:41

And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive.

Acts 26:10

And I did so in Jerusalem; I not only shut up many of the saints in prison, by authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.

Romans 1:7

To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:27

And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 12:13

Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.

Romans 15:25

At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints.

Romans 15:26

For Macedo′nia and Acha′ia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem;

Romans 15:31

that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,

Romans 16:2

that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself as well.

Romans 16:15

Greet Philol′ogus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olym′pas, and all the saints who are with them.

1 Corinthians 1:2

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

1 Corinthians 6:1

[ Lawsuits among Believers ] When one of you has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?

1 Corinthians 6:2

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

1 Corinthians 16:1

[ The Collection for the Saints ] Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

1 Corinthians 16:15

Now, brethren, you know that the household of Steph′anas were the first converts in Acha′ia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints;

2 Corinthians 1:1

[ Salutation ] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother. To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Acha′ia:

2 Corinthians 8:4

begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—

2 Corinthians 9:1

[ The Collection for Christians at Jerusalem ] Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the offering for the saints,

2 Corinthians 9:12

for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God.

2 Corinthians 13:13

All the saints greet you.

Ephesians 1:1

[ Salutation ] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 1:15

[ Paul’s Prayer ] For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

Ephesians 1:18

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 2:19

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Ephesians 3:8

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Ephesians 3:18

may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

Ephesians 4:12

for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Ephesians 5:3

[ Renounce Pagan Ways ] But immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints.

Ephesians 6:18

Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Philippians 1:1

[ Salutation ] Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Philippians 4:21

[ Final Greetings and Benediction ] Greet every saintin Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.

Philippians 4:22

All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Colossians 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colos′sae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Colossians 1:4

because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints,

Colossians 1:12

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 1:26

the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

so that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

2 Thessalonians 1:10

when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

1 Timothy 5:10

and she must be well attested for her good deeds, as one who has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, relieved the afflicted, and devoted herself to doing good in every way.

Philemon 1:5

because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints,

Philemon 1:7

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Hebrews 6:10

For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.

Hebrews 13:24

Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.

Jude 1:3

[ Occasion of the Letter ] Beloved, being very eager to write to you of our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints;

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne;

Revelation 8:4

and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God.

Revelation 11:18

The nations raged, but thy wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, for rewarding thy servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear thy name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

Revelation 13:7

Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation,

Revelation 13:10

If any one is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if any one slays with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

Revelation 14:12

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 16:6

For men have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink. It is their due!”

Revelation 17:6

And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her I marveled greatly.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!”

Revelation 18:24

And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”

Revelation 19:8

it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Revelation 20:9

And they marched up over the broad earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city; but fire came down from heaven and consumed them,

Revelation 22:21

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary