Q. 1. I am confused regarding the usage of the term "saint" in the Catholic Church. It is my understanding that the word "saint" is the title given to human beings who have been cannonized by the Church. Yet the three angels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are called "saints." Why is that?

A. 1. In the Catholic Church, the word "saint" is used in different circumstances. For example:

a. As you indicated, it is the title given to those who have been cannonized in the Catholic Church.

b. In the Holy Bible, the living members of the early Church are referred to as "saints."

c. The Catholic Church has chosen to apply the term "saint" to the angels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael because of their role in the history of salvation.

As you can appreciate, the word "saint" is used in different contexts in the Catholic Church.