Revealing Our Very Favorite Catholic Saints: A Journey into Heavenly Friendship

As Catholics, saints are far more than distant historical figures—they are vibrant, living examples of faith who inspire and guide us on our spiritual journey. Through their intercession and example, saints help us draw closer to God and navigate life’s challenges with deep prayer and love, regardless of our vocation or state in life. This article explores the beauty of saints, shares personal favorites, and offers practical tips for discovering your own heavenly friends.

What Is a Saint?

Before diving into our favorite saints, it’s important to clarify what a saint is. In Catholic understanding, a saint is someone who has died and now lives in heaven with God. How do we know they are in heaven? Their lives have been studied extensively, and miracles have been attributed to God working through their intercession. This is proof that their prayers are heard and answered by God in heaven.

But why does this matter to us? Saints are uniquely positioned to help us follow Jesus and live with Him forever because they have already walked the path. Their prayers are not clouded by personal biases or forgetfulness—they live in the Beatific Vision, in the glory of God, and stand close to Jesus, whispering our needs to Him. We can confidently ask saints to pray for us because they know exactly how to intercede on our behalf.

The Blessed Mother: Our Starting Point

When discussing favorite saints, the Blessed Mother Mary holds a special, unparalleled place in our hearts. She is in a category of her own, as the Mother of God—the Ark of the New Covenant who bore the Word made flesh. While this article focuses on other beloved saints, it’s important to acknowledge Mary’s unique role and the profound love and devotion we have for her.

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity: A Model of Interior Prayer

One of my personal favorite saints is Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, a Carmelite nun whose spirituality beautifully blends deep prayer with the reality of living in the world. She was a “discalced” Carmelite, meaning she and her community chose to go barefoot as a sign of humility and poverty.

Saint Elizabeth’s letters to her sister, who lived a very different vocation as a mother, reveal profound insights into holiness accessible to everyone. One of her most beautiful quotes captures her spirituality perfectly:

“Make my soul your cherished dwelling place... let me never leave you there alone but keep me there all absorbed in You in living faith adoring You.”

Her motto, “You in me and I in you,” expresses a deep union with God that transcends religious life and calls all of us to welcome the Trinity into the very core of our being. Saint Elizabeth’s life reminds us that God desires to make His home in our hearts—not just in a chapel, but in the everyday moments of doing dishes, laundry, or fulfilling our vocational duties.

Saint Therese of Lisieux: A Big Sister in Faith

Another saint who has profoundly impacted my spiritual life is Saint Therese of Lisieux, affectionately known as “The Little Flower.” Her presence has been especially real to me this year, as I have had the blessing of hosting her relic in my home—a tangible connection to her intercession and love.

Saint Therese has become like a big sister to me, offering compassion and understanding during vulnerable moments. Like many, I once experienced what I jokingly called “TZ trauma” after a disappointing novena, feeling overlooked despite earnest prayers. Yet, over time, she revealed her heart to me, teaching me self-compassion and deepening my trust in God’s timing.

Saints often come to us in ways that meet our personal needs. Just as family members play different roles, saints fulfill unique roles in our spiritual lives—some like warm, funny uncles, others like supportive siblings. Saint Therese’s gentle friendship has been a source of healing and encouragement, showing how saints are intimately involved in our journey.

How to Find Your Saint Friends

If you’re new to developing relationships with saints or want to deepen your connection, here are some practical ways to find your heavenly friends:

1. Start with Your Name: Many people are named after a saint or have a confirmation saint. Even if your name isn’t directly a saint’s name, there may be a derivative or a saint with a similar name who can become your intercessor.
2. Look at Significant Dates: Your birthday, baptism, confirmation, or First Holy Communion often coincide with a saint’s feast day. These dates can reveal saints who are already part of your spiritual team.
3. Explore Your Confirmation Saint: Many of us chose a confirmation saint somewhat randomly or out of honor for someone else. Take time to learn about their life, spirituality, and patronage. You might discover a deep kinship and inspiration you hadn’t realized before.
4. Be Open to the Saints Who Keep Coming to Mind: Sometimes a saint appears repeatedly in your life through books, prayers, or signs. This may be God’s way of inviting you to a special friendship with that saint.

Saints are not distant or unapproachable—they are our companions, intercessors, and friends who help us grow in holiness. By opening ourselves to their example and prayers, we enrich our spiritual lives and draw closer to Jesus.

Conclusion

Saints are extraordinary companions on our journey of faith. Whether it’s Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity inviting us to make our souls a dwelling place for God, or Saint Therese of Lisieux offering sisterly compassion, these holy friends guide and support us. Start by exploring saints connected to your name or important dates, and be open to the saints God places uniquely in your life.

Who is your heavenly friend? Share your favorite saint or the one you feel drawn to, and invite their intercession as you grow in your relationship with Christ. Saints are waiting to walk alongside you—embrace their friendship and discover the profound grace they bring.