Dear Editor, In your edition of 8th may, Syl Doyne (IC 8/5/14) raised the question as to why the Church canonises saints since all those who go to Heaven are saints. An answer can be found in Lumen Gentium 50 of Vatican II: "When we look at the lives of those who have faithfully followed Christ we are inspired with a new reason for seeking the city which is to come." Personally I find that reading the lives of the saints, at least when they are well written, is a wonderful encouragement to keep fighting the good fight. I learn what being a Catholic really means when I read of these great men and women who lived their Catholic life to the full. Syl Doyne further raised the question about the great number of religious who have been canonised in comparison to lay persons. Unquestionably, when a religious order seeks to have one of its members canonised, it has a variety of persons with a variety of talents ready to work on the subject, while, for example, Matt Talbot doesn't seem to have anyone to push his cause. But it should not be forgotten that the whole purpose of the religious life is for its members to become holy, and many religious take very seriously their obligation to strive for holiness.
Among lay persons who have been canonised we have Thomas More, Benedict Joseph Labre, Elizabeth of Hungry, Marguerite of Scotland, Gianna Beretta Molla,Joan of Arc, Luis and Zelie Martin, parents of St Therese of Lisieux.
Yours etc.,
Brendan Wall,
Buenos Aires,
Argentina.