A very holy person is most commonly referred to as a saint.
When describing an individual who exhibits exceptional holiness, deep spiritual devotion, and often a profound positive influence, the term saint is frequently used. This noun refers to a "person of exceptional holiness," embodying qualities that are often seen as divine or divinely inspired.
Understanding the Concept of a Holy Person
A holy person is someone who leads a life of extraordinary virtue, selflessness, and spiritual commitment. They are typically revered for their wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to their faith or a higher moral calling. Their actions and teachings often serve as an inspiration to others.
Common Terms for a Very Holy Person
While "saint" is the most prevalent term, other expressions also describe individuals of profound spiritual significance. These terms often carry nuanced meanings based on cultural or religious contexts.
- Saint: Primarily used in Christian traditions, a saint (from Latin sanctus, meaning "holy") is a person recognized for their exceptional sanctity or closeness to God. In some denominations, specific processes like canonization are used to formally recognize saints. Beyond formal recognition, "saint" can also be used informally to describe anyone seen as exceptionally good, patient, or virtuous. Learn more about the general concept of a saint here.
- Holy Man / Holy Woman: These are broader, more informal terms often used across various religions and spiritual paths to describe individuals deeply immersed in spiritual practices, meditation, or religious scholarship. They are respected for their wisdom, spiritual insight, and often their role as spiritual guides or teachers.
- Angel: While literally referring to a celestial being, "angel" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a human being of extraordinary goodness, purity, or helpfulness. In this context, it emphasizes their perceived innocence and benevolent nature, akin to a "person of exceptional holiness."
A Comparison of Terms
To further clarify, here's a table summarizing these terms:
| Term | Primary Connotation | Common Usage | Examples (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint | Person of exceptional holiness, often officially recognized | Formal (e.g., Christianity) or informal (colloquial) | Saint Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa |
| Holy Man/Woman | Deeply spiritual, wise, and revered individual | Broadly across religions, often informal | A revered guru, a wise spiritual elder, a devout monk |
| Angel | Celestial being; metaphor for extreme goodness | Figurative, emphasizes purity and benevolence | "She's an angel for helping me." (when referring to a human) |
Characteristics Often Associated with Holy Individuals
Individuals recognized as very holy often share several distinguishing traits:
- Profound Spirituality: A deep, unwavering connection to their faith or spiritual path, often expressed through prayer, meditation, or rigorous adherence to religious doctrines.
- Exceptional Virtue: Exhibiting virtues such as compassion, humility, selflessness, patience, and unwavering integrity in all aspects of their lives.
- Moral Authority: Their actions and words carry significant moral weight and serve as an ethical compass for others.
- Inspiration: They inspire others to live more virtuous lives and pursue their own spiritual growth.
- Miraculous Deeds (in some traditions): In certain religious contexts, holy persons or saints may be associated with performing miracles or divine interventions.
Recognition and Veneration of Holy Persons
The recognition of a very holy person varies significantly across different cultures and religions:
- Formal Canonization: In traditions like the Roman Catholic Church, a rigorous process of canonization exists to formally declare an individual a saint after their death, often requiring proof of miracles attributed to their intercession.
- Community Reverence: In many spiritual paths, individuals are recognized as holy through the collective reverence and respect of their community, often based on their living example, teachings, and perceived spiritual power.
- Historical Impact: Some are recognized posthumously due to the lasting positive impact of their lives, teachings, or writings.
Examples of individuals widely considered very holy include figures like Mother Teresa, known for her selfless service to the poor; Mahatma Gandhi, revered for his commitment to non-violent resistance and spiritual leadership; and Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, whose teachings guide millions.
