Saints with a capital “S”

There is immense variety inherent in holiness, so different saints were canonized for varied reasons. Some (like St. Cyril of Alexandria) were canonized for their theological acumen and courage in proclaiming the truth in the face of error. Others (like St. Seraphim of Sarov) were canonized for their quality of life and the intensity of their prayer. Others still (like St. Constantine the Great), were canonized out of gratitude for their help to the Church and their vision of the future. Not all shared the same degree of theological acuity, or the same peaceful and loving spirit. But all had something worthy of admiration and imitation, and so all eventually found a place in the Church’s calendar.