(no subject)

[disneydream06]

I thought it was some what difficult to reach Saint status? Now all of a sudden the Pope/Church has found 7 people that are worthy of the title, and just so convienant that they are from countries that have declining memberships...
So does that make these Patron Saints of Cheerleaders?

Pope names 7 new saints, seeks to revive faith

NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press

http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Pope-names-7-new-saints-seeks-to-revive-faith-3968296.php

Comments

[peccavo.livejournal.com]

There are a few new ones almost every year. It's one of the few ways the catholic church recognizes change.

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

Isn't one of the requirments to be a saint is to have preformed a miracle? Are there really that many miracles?

[peccavo.livejournal.com]

Three miracles. And they can be posthumous.

6 billion people in the world. There's room for a few people every year have unexplainable good things come their way.

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

I guess I am a bit of a pessimist when it comes to "miracles".

[peccavo.livejournal.com]

Thus my phrasing "unexplainable good things."

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

:)

[restoman.livejournal.com]

One of the new saints lived right here in Syracuse: Mother Marianne Cope.

It has gotten a lot of local publicity, but means little to me. I'm not Catholic.

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

Not Catholic either and I have always had issues that they pray just as much if not more to Saints than God. Why does He need a middle man?

[restoman.livejournal.com]

Yes, why indeed? ...and I thought that Jesus was supposed to be the middle man anyway!

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

So true...

[peccavo.livejournal.com]

First, devotion to saints is on the decline. There's much less attention to individual saints than there used to be.
Second, it's not that God needs a middle man-- it's a matter of focus. Different saints typically represent different needs. Cancer, safety from fire, travelling. It gives the intention focus. It's a different cultural approach.

Given the size of the catholic church, saints also represent local cultures and local needs. Common saints will differ from Italy, Greece, Mexico, to wherever. It gives character.

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

I guess it's concept that is tough for a non Catholic to grasp. :)

[peccavo.livejournal.com]

It's also a concept that has traditionally been used to vilify catholics for a very long time-- so it's probably not nearly as big a deal as people make out.

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

To each his own. I will stick with God.