Saint

Saint

A saint is one who has been recognized for having an exceptional degree of holiness, sanctity, and virtue. While the English term "saint" originated in Christianity, the term is now used by historians of religion "in a more general way to refer to the state of special holiness that many religions attribute to certain people," with the Jewish Tzadik, the Islamic wali, the Hindu rishi or guru, and the Buddhist arahat or boddhisatva also referred to as saints. Depending on the religion, saints are recognized either through official church recognition or by popular acclaim (see Folk saints).

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Famous quotes containing the word saint:

    O my God, what must a soul be like when it is in this state! It longs to be all one tongue with which to praise the Lord. It utters a thousand pious follies, in a continuous endeavor to please Him who thus possesses it.
    Teresa Of Avila, Saint (1515–1582)

    Upon Saint Crispin’s day
    Fought was this noble fray,
    Which fame did not delay
    To England to carry.
    On when shall Englishmen
    With such acts fill a pen,
    Or England breed again
    Such a King Harry?
    Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

    Child in the womb,
    Or saint on a tomb
    Which way shall I lie
    To fall asleep?
    Philip Larkin (1922–1986)