Faithful Christians who are examples of heroic virtue, models of holiness; their souls are in heaven and can intercede for others?

• A. Martyrs
• B. Incarnation
• C. Catholic Social Teaching
• D. Saints

Answer: (D)

This question tests understanding of who saints are in Catholic teaching. Saints are faithful Christians whose lives displayed heroic virtue and holiness, and after death they are believed to be in heaven. Because they are in heaven and close to God, Catholics may ask them to intercede for us by praying on our behalf. That’s why saints are valued as models of holiness and as intercessors.

Martyrs are those who die for their faith; while many martyrs are saints, the term martyrs describes a specific way of showing faithfulness, not the whole category of holy people who intercede. Incarnation refers to God becoming human in Jesus Christ, not to intercessors in heaven. Catholic Social Teaching is about applying Catholic values to society, not about who intercedes for us. So the term that best matches the description is saints.