History of Saint in Timeline

A saint is a person recognized in Christianity as having exceptional holiness and closeness to God. The term's usage varies by denomination. Anglicans, Oriental Orthodox, and Lutherans consider all deceased faithful in Heaven as saints, but some are given greater honor. The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church officially recognize and venerate specific saints through canonization or glorification. In many Protestant denominations, 'saint' refers to any holy Christian, without requiring special recognition.

1938: The Korean Liturgy includes prayers of the saints

In 1938, The Korean Liturgy included examples of Anglicans asking for prayers of the saints.

1959: The liturgy of the Diocese of Guiana includes prayers of the saints

In 1959, the liturgy of the Diocese of Guiana included examples of Anglicans asking for prayers of the saints.

2000: American Deacon Claims Cure Through Intercession of John Henry Newman

In 2000, American deacon Jack Sullivan claimed that John Henry Newman, who was then a blessed, interceded with God to cure him of spinal stenosis after Sullivan addressed Newman in prayer. Sullivan asserted that he was cured in a matter of hours.

2009: Theologians Conclude Sullivan's Recovery Was a Miracle

In 2009, a panel of theologians concluded that Jack Sullivan's recovery from spinal stenosis was the result of his prayer to John Henry Newman. According to the church, the medical recovery had to be instantaneous, not attributable to treatment, and disappear for good to be deemed a miracle.