Philippine E-Journals

Saints: What they are for young Filipino Catholics of today

Mc Kyle Vilaz

 

Abstract:

Although devotion to the Saints is central to Filipinos, there is split-level Christianity and a change in attitudes of the young towards religion. It is hence, time to begin asking as to how the youth perceive the Saints nowadays. This study aimed to discover what the Saints are for young Filipino Catholics of today using a researcher-made survey instrument. A hundred and twenty-five tertiary students from a Catholic university were chosen purposively to become respondents. Four themes emerged through content and thematic distribution. The results reveal that the young Filipino Catholics naturally think of the Saints as their good role models and inspiration however, to be Saints themselves is not envisioned by them. While there are young Filipino Catholics who have pedestal syndrome in relating to the Saints, some respondents, see the Saints as close to them the way family members and friends are, relating to the Saints as intercessors. Young Catholics also relate themselves to the Saints and the good works they do, but such is only partial in identification. In general, young Filipino Catholics understand the role of the Saints as models but the accompanying negative notions could not be undermined as normal.