Can Holiness Be Attained?

The concept of holiness has been debated and revered across many religions and cultures. Holiness is associated with people who stand out for their goodness, exceptional virtues, and dedication to others and spirituality. In the Catholic tradition, for example, the Church has canonized religious figures as saints, stating that their lives and actions were extraordinary and inspiring to the community.

What is Holiness?

Holiness is often defined as a state of purity and moral perfection. In its most general sense, a saintly person is someone who, in his or her life and actions, manifests a special closeness to the divine and is dedicated to the good of others. Saints, according to religions, strive to transcend human weaknesses and seek a deeper relationship with the sacred, peace, and service to humanity.

For some, holiness means turning away from the material world and pursuing a life of prayer and meditation. In other cases, it means actively engaging in works of relief and social justice, showing compassion and love to others.

Holiness in Christianity.

Christianity is probably the religion best known for its concept of sainthood and its process of canonization. In the Catholic Church, saints are people who, according to tradition, lived according to God's will and performed acts of heroism in faith. The Church considers these people to have attained such purity that they become intercessors between humans and God.

The process of canonization includes a thorough review of the person's life, testimonies of his or her work, and a demonstration of miracles attributed to his or her intercession. Among the best-known saints are St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. John Paul II, who lived lives of sacrifice, humility, and total dedication.

Saints and Sages in Other Religions.

Other religions also have figures similar to saints, although they do not necessarily call them by the same name. In Hinduism, for example, there are “gurus” and “saints,” who attain a high level of spirituality and teach compassion and inner peace. There are also “bodhisattvas” in Buddhism, people who, after attaining enlightenment, choose to stay in the world to help others achieve the same experience.

In Islam, there are “wali” or “friends of God,” pious people who are credited with special gifts and a deep connection to Allah. Although not canonized in Islam as in Catholicism, these individuals are revered for their faith and commitment to Islamic values.

Characteristics of Holy People.

The lives of the saints exemplify the highest principles and values of their faith. Some common characteristics that define a saintly person include:

• Compassion and empathy: Saintly people often have a deep love and compassion for others. They care about the well-being of others and dedicate their lives to alleviating the suffering of others.
• Humility and detachment: Humility is one of the most valued qualities in a saintly person. They do not seek fame or wealth, and tend to live in detachment from material things.
• Perseverance in Faith: Saints display a firm and unwavering faith in their beliefs, even in adverse situations. Many of them face difficulties, persecutions and challenges that test their devotion.
• Service to others: Acts of kindness, such as helping the poor, caring for the sick, or educating the young, are common in the lives of saintly people. They believe in service as a way of expressing their spirituality.

Holiness in Everyday Life.

Although the term “saint” is often associated with religious figures or extraordinary people, many argue that sainthood is not limited to a few individuals. In this view, every person has the capacity to act with kindness and perform heroic acts in their everyday lives. This interpretation of sainthood suggests that anyone can live altruistically and improve the lives of others without needing to seek recognition.

Respect, honesty, supporting others and being consistent with personal values are examples of “holy” acts that, although small, have a significant impact on society.

Can Holiness Be Achieved?

The question of whether saintly people really exist or whether saintliness is an unattainable ideal is a debated one. Some hold that all human beings have limitations and that perfection is impossible. However, others believe that saintliness does not necessarily imply perfection, but rather a genuine intention to improve oneself as a person and to live according to ethical and spiritual principles.

Holiness, according to many, is a process, a constant search for higher values and a purpose that transcends self-interest. No one may achieve absolute holiness, but the effort to be better is what truly defines a “holy” person.

Holiness in the Modern World.

In an increasingly materialistic and individualistic world, the values of holiness such as altruism, compassion and humility seem less common. However, there are many people who, in their own way, demonstrate these values. Activists, volunteers, social workers and people committed to the environment can be considered modern “saints” because they dedicate their lives to causes that go beyond their personal interests. Holiness, in this sense, can be present in ordinary people who perform acts of kindness and help improve the world.

Holiness is a profound and multifaceted concept that has fascinated humanity since ancient times. Although religions have canonized historical figures as saints, the ideal of holiness can inspire anyone to live with kindness, compassion, and responsibility toward others. Ultimately, holiness could be seen as a path that each person can follow in their daily lives, an invitation to be more conscious of our actions and to contribute positively to society.