10 Teachers Who Could be Considered Saints: Honoring Their Legacy on St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! I'm not catholic but as we don our green clothing and celebrate all things Irish, it got me thinking about the concept of sainthood. Throughout history, there have been many individuals who have been recognized as saints for their contributions to society and their embodiment of virtues such as compassion, kindness, and selflessness. But have there ever been teachers who have been considered saints?

As a researcher and storyteller, I dove into this question with the curiosity of a child and the enthusiasm of a leprechaun. And let me tell you, I found some incredible examples of educators who could be considered saints in today's culture.

Here are my top 10 picks, in no particular order:

1. Saint John Baptist de La Salle - a French priest who founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Brothers. He is the patron saint of teachers.
2. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton - an American educator who founded the first Catholic girls' school in the United States and established the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. She is the patron saint of Catholic schools.
3. Saint Thomas Aquinas - an Italian theologian and philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in the history of the Catholic Church. His works on education and ethics have had a lasting impact on Western thought.
4. Saint Ignatius of Loyola - a Spanish priest who founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. He emphasized the importance of education and was a strong advocate for the liberal arts.
5. Saint Teresa of Avila - a Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer who founded the Discalced Carmelite Order. She is known for her writings on prayer and contemplation and for her efforts to reform the Carmelite Order.
6. Saint Francis de Sales - a French bishop and writer who is known for his works on spirituality and the art of living a holy life. He is the patron saint of writers and journalists.
7. Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle - a French priest who founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools and is considered one of the pioneers of modern education. He is known for his innovative teaching methods and his commitment to serving the poor.
8. Saint Catherine of Siena - an Italian mystic and writer who played a significant role in the development of the Catholic Church. She is known for her letters and her advocacy for peace and social justice.
9. Saint Angela Merici - an Italian educator who founded the Ursuline Order of nuns. She emphasized the importance of education for women and worked to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized.
10. Saint Dominic - a Spanish priest who founded the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. He emphasized the importance of education and preaching as a means of spreading the Gospel.

These individuals, among many others, have left a lasting impact on the world of education and on society as a whole. Their teachings and examples of selflessness, compassion, and service continue to inspire generations of teachers and students.

As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day and all things Irish, let us also take a moment to honor these incredible educators who have been considered saints. May their legacies continue to inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves and to make a positive difference in the world around us.