logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2025
7m 3s

How Do People Become Saints? (Fr. Mike E...

ASCENSION
About this episode

How does someone become a saint? What steps and criteria does the Catholic Church follow in the canonization process?

Fr. Mike unpacks the journey to sainthood and reminds us that holiness begins with one simple thing, saying “yes” to God.

Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Up next
Yesterday
Responding to my Conversation with Kim Zember on Same Sex Attraction
"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against h ... Show More
6m 44s
Jul 23
Why We Bury the Dead
Why can't Catholics scatter ashes? Why does the Church ask us to bury the dead? Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the Catholic understanding of honoring the dead, explains why scattering ashes isn't permitted, and reveals what these practices teach us about the dignity of the human perso ... Show More
9m 27s
Jul 16
The Biggest Opportunity Most Catholics Ignore (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Become a saint by saying "yes" to God, starting with the Mass. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why the Eucharist is God's greatest gift and why the saints made it the center of their lives. If we want to become holy, we can't ignore the place where Jesus gives Himself completely to us. ... Show More
7m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
Day 265: The Call to Holiness (2025)
Each of us is called to holiness. As Fr. Mike puts it, we’re all called to the “heights of holiness.” No matter our station in life, we’re meant for ever greater union with Christ, devoting ourselves to the love of God and neighbor. The path of holiness also entails the Cross, se ... Show More
14m 17s
May 2022
Episode 57: S7 Episode 12: THE CALL TO HOLINESS
Being a saint is about becoming who you are. Holiness is about letting Love be unleashed in our lives. In this episode, Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei, SV and Sr. Marie Veritas, SV talk about what holiness is, how we can live it, and some examples we see of real sanctity. 
41m 42s
May 2024
Day 127: Consecrated Life (2024)
There are many ways that God calls people to lives of holiness. Just as he calls lay people to holiness, he also calls individuals to consecrated life, including hermits, consecrated virgins, widows, and religious. In a very intentional, specific, and lifelong way, those in conse ... Show More
21m 36s
Apr 2024
Day 97: Introduction to the Holy Spirit (2024)
Together, with Fr. Mike, we begin our examination of the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, and how God reveals himself as the Holy Spirit in our lives. Fr. Mike emphasizes the words of St. Irenaeus that, “in order to be touched by Christ, we must first be touched ... Show More
17 m
Jan 2025
Inside the Vatican’s secret saint-making process
Canonisation has long been a way for the Catholic church to shape its image. The Vatican is preparing to anoint its first millennial saint, but how does it decide who is worthy? By Linda Kinstler. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod 
34m 49s
Apr 2025
Day 97: Introduction to the Holy Spirit
Together, with Fr. Mike, we begin our examination of the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, and how God reveals himself as the Holy Spirit in our lives. Fr. Mike emphasizes the words of St. Irenaeus that, “in order to be touched by Christ, we must first be touched ... Show More
17 m
Aug 2024
Day 217: The Effects of Holy Orders (2024)
Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the effects of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that once a man is ordained a priest, he is always a priest because he receives an indelible spiritual mark. He also emphasizes that Holy Orders is a sacrament of service. The eff ... Show More
18m 27s
Jun 2023
Part 1: How to Grow in Holiness (With Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR)
No matter where we are in life, we are able to grow in holiness. Today, Dr. Sri sits down with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR to discuss his book, Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. Snippet from the Show The spiritual life is real life. For full shownote ... Show More
14m 55s
Jan 2022
Prayers for Souls in Purgatory, St. Michael the Archangel, and Jesus Before the Incarnation
Fr. Josh answers questions about what our prayers do for the souls in purgatory, why St. Michael the Archangel is considered a saint, and what was Jesus' nature as the Second Person of the Trinity before the incarnation. Snippet From the Show The Catholic Church uses the term "sa ... Show More
26m 13s
Aug 2024
Day 216: Who Receives Holy Orders (2024)
We continue our examination of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Specifically, we explore exactly who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that only a baptized man can receive the “sacred ordination”. He then unpacks exactly why the ordination of women is not ... Show More
24m 49s