The Most Popular Female Saint, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the female saint you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:38
Throughout history, female saints have inspired countless individuals with their acts of faith, courage, and compassion. These remarkable women come from diverse backgrounds and epochs, each contributing uniquely to their communities and the broader tapestry of spiritual history. Their stories endure, resonating with people across the world and continuing to influence lives in profound ways.
By participating in the ranking of these influential figures, users engage with history in a dynamic and interactive manner. This process not only highlights which stories are most compelling to contemporary audiences but also encourages a deeper connection and understanding of these historical figures' lives and legacies. Your votes help to shape how these saints are viewed and remembered in the broader cultural context.
What Is the Most Popular Female Saint?
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163votes
Duccio di Buoninsegna · Public domainSaint Mary, the mother of Jesus is she is considered the most revered female saint in Christianity, venerated by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. She is believed to have played a significant role in the life and teachings of Jesus.Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus, also known as the Virgin Mary or simply Mary, is one of the most venerated figures in Christianity. According to the New Testament of the Bible, Mary was a young Jewish woman from Nazareth who became the mother of Jesus through divine intervention. She holds a prominent role in Christian theology and is revered as the Mother of God by many denominations.- Feast Day: September 8th
- Patronage: Numerous countries and regions, including the Americas, Europe, and the Philippines
- Titles: Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, Blessed Virgin Mary
- Appearance: Typically depicted as a young woman, often wearing a blue veil and robe
- Significance: Role model for women and mothers, intercessor and advocate for believers
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231votes
Saint Teresa of Avila
Saint Teresa of Avila herselfSaint Teresa of Avila is she was a Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer who founded the Discalced Carmelites. She is known for her writings on prayer and contemplation, and her life of radical self-surrender to God.Saint Teresa of Avila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a highly acclaimed Spanish mystic, writer, and prominent figure of the Catholic Reformation. She lived during the 16th century and is recognized as one of the most influential women in religious history. Her works explored spirituality, contemplative prayer, and the inner life, earning her the title of Doctor of the Church.- Birth: March 28, 1515
- Death: October 4, 1582
- Feast day: October 15
- Carmelite Order: She was a nun of the Carmelite Order and later reformed it
- Important works: The Interior Castle, The Way of Perfection
Saint Teresa of Avila in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
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318votes
Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Therese of LisieuxSaint Therese of Lisieux is she was a French Carmelite nun who is known for her spiritual memoir, "The Story of a Soul." She is revered for her "little way" of love and humility, which emphasizes the importance of small acts of kindness and self-denial.Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, is one of the most popular female saints in the Catholic Church. She was a French Carmelite nun who lived during the late 19th century. Saint Therese is renowned for her spiritual writings and her doctrine of the 'Little Way', which emphasizes finding holiness in everyday actions and embracing a childlike trust in God's love. Her autobiography, 'The Story of a Soul', has been widely read and has inspired countless individuals in their spiritual journey.- Birth: January 2, 1873
- Death: September 30, 1897
- Feast day: October 1
- Canonization: May 17, 1925
- Patronage: Missionaries, florists, pilots, AIDS patients
Saint Therese of Lisieux in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Virgin
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous saint in the Catholic Church
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412votesSaint Catherine of Siena is she was an Italian mystic, writer, and Dominican tertiary who played a key role in the politics and religious life of 14th century Italy. She is known for her spiritual writings, her devotion to Christ, and her advocacy for the papacy.Saint Catherine of Siena is one of the most popular female saints in Christian history. She was born in 1347 in Siena, Italy and is known for her great spiritual insights, mystical experiences, and dedicated service to the Church. Catherine played a crucial role in the resolution of the Western Schism, a significant crisis that split the Catholic Church into competing factions. She is also renowned for her prolific correspondence, advocating for Church reform and addressing political leaders of her time.
- Birth Year: 1347
- Birthplace: Siena, Italy
- Spiritual Insights: Known for her great spiritual insights
- Mystical Experiences: Had numerous mystical experiences
- Service to the Church: Dedicated service to the Catholic Church
Saint Catherine of Siena in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Italian saint
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Catholic
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522votesSaint Joan of Arc is she was a French peasant girl who, at the age of 17, led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War. She is considered a national hero in France and a symbol of bravery and devotion to God.Saint Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orléans, is one of the most popular female saints in Christian history. She was a French heroine who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War. Joan claimed to have received divine guidance, which she believed instructed her to support Charles VII as the rightful king of France and help him reclaim his throne from the English. Despite facing numerous challenges and skepticism from within her own ranks, Joan led French forces to several crucial victories before her capture and subsequent trial for heresy. She was ultimately found guilty and burned at the stake, but later exonerated and declared a martyr and a saint by the Catholic Church. Joan of Arc is often praised for her brave and unwavering faith, as well as her determination and military leadership skills.
- Birth Year: 1412
- Death Year: 1431
- Feast Day: May 30
- Canonization Date: May 16, 1920
- Patronage: France, soldiers, prisoners, martyrs, and more
Saint Joan of Arc in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous martyr
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous saint in the Catholic Church
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
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611votesSaint Elizabeth Ann Seton - she was an American Catholic convert who founded the first Catholic school for girls in the United States and established the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. She is known for her devotion to education and social justice.Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, born on August 28, 1774, in New York City, was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She is recognized as the patroness of Catholic schools in the United States.
- Birthdate: August 28, 1774
- Birthplace: New York City, United States
- Death Date: January 4, 1821
- Canonization Date: September 14, 1975
- Feast Day: January 4th
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Catholic
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711votes
Simone Martini · Public domainSaint Clare of Assisi
The Catholic ChurchSaint Clare of Assisi is she was a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi and the founder of the Poor Clares, a religious order of women who live a life of poverty, prayer, and contemplation. She is known for her radical commitment to Christ and her love for the poor.Saint Clare of Assisi, also known as Saint Clare or Clara of Assisi, is a popular female saint in the Catholic Church. She was born in 1194 in Assisi, Italy, and was the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, which later became known as the Order of Saint Clare. Clare devoted her life to serving God and living in poverty. She is known for her deep faith, humility, and commitment to prayer. The life and teachings of Saint Clare continue to inspire and guide many people around the world.- Feast day: August 11
- Birthplace: Assisi, Italy
- Birth year: 1194
- Religious order: Order of Poor Ladies / Order of Saint Clare
- Founder: Saint Clare herself
Saint Clare of Assisi in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Italian saint
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89votes
ZWGallery · CC BY 4.0Saint Faustina Kowalska is she was a Polish nun who had visions of Jesus and was instructed to promote the devotion to the Divine Mercy. She wrote a diary of her spiritual experiences, which has become a popular devotional text in the Catholic Church.Saint Faustina Kowalska, also known as Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, was a Polish nun and mystic who lived in the early 20th century. She is recognized as one of the most popular and influential female saints of modern times. Saint Faustina is known for her devotion to the Divine Mercy and for receiving private revelations from Jesus, which she recorded in her diary, 'Divine Mercy in My Soul'. Her life and writings have greatly inspired devotion to the Divine Mercy worldwide.- Birthdate: August 25, 1905
- Death date: October 5, 1938
- Feast day: October 5
- Canonization date: April 30, 2000
- Patronage: Divine Mercy; World Youth Day
Saint Faustina Kowalska in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
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913votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainSaint Bernadette Soubirous is she was a French peasant girl who had visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. Her visions led to the establishment of the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, which has become a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.Saint Bernadette Soubirous, also known as Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, was a French Catholic nun who became renowned for her visions of the Virgin Mary. She was born on January 7, 1844, in Lourdes, France, and died on April 16, 1879. Bernadette's extraordinary experiences and devotion to her faith made her one of the most popular female saints.- Birthdate: January 7, 1844
- Birthplace: Lourdes, France
- Death Date: April 16, 1879
- Canonized: December 8, 1933
- Feast Day: February 18
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105votes
Saint Rita of Cascia
Catholic ChurchSaint Rita of Cascia is she was an Italian widow and mother who became a nun and is known as the patron saint of impossible causes. She is revered for her devotion to Christ and her willingness to suffer for the sake of others.Saint Rita of Cascia, also known as Saint Rita of Roccaporena, is an Italian saint who is venerated as a popular female saint within the Catholic Church. She is particularly revered for her devotion to the Passion of Christ and her intercession in difficult or impossible situations.- Birthplace: Roccaporena, Italy
- Born: 1381
- Died: May 22, 1457
- Feast Day: May 22
- Patronage: Lost and impossible causes, marital problems, abuse victims, lonely and troubled individuals
Saint Rita of Cascia in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Italian saint
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular female saint
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Historical and cultural significanceEvaluate the impact of the female saint on the history and culture of a particular region, country, or the Catholic Church as a whole. This includes their influence on art, literature, and people's lives.
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Devotion and venerationAssess the popularity of the saint among the faithful by considering the number of churches, shrines, and processions dedicated to her, as well as the frequency and intensity of prayers and petitions made to her.
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Miracles and apparitionsDetermine the extent to which the female saint is attributed with miraculous events and apparitions, which often leads to increased devotion and recognition.
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Feast day celebrationsAnalyze the devotees' commemorations of the saints' feast days through festive events, processions, and special prayers. These celebrations often serve as indicators of popularity and devotion.
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PatronageInvestigate the areas, groups, or causes for which the saint serves as a patron. The more diverse and widespread the patronage, the more popular and influential the saint is likely to be.
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Personal stories and biographiesConsider the compelling and inspiring elements of the female saint's life story, such as her dedication to faith, acts of charity, or martyrdom, which often draw people to honor and venerate her.
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Presence in literature and artExamine the extent to which the female saint is portrayed in various mediums, such as paintings, sculptures, poetry, and music. A wide presence in these fields indicates her popularity and influence.
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Testimonials and anecdotesEvaluate the testimonies and stories of devotees who have experienced or witnessed miraculous events, healings, or divine intervention associated with the female saint. These stories can contribute to her popularity and credibility.
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Social impactAnalyze the influence of the female saint on contemporary social issues and causes, such as women's rights or social justice. This could be a key indicator of her popularity among a broader range of people.
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Popularity across religious denominationsConsider the extent to which the female saint is recognized and venerated by religious followers beyond the Catholic Church, such as in the Orthodox Church or among non-Christian faith traditions. This could point to her widespread appeal and influence.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular female saint. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or saintess is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1774 views
- 186 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each saintess once every 24 hours. The rank of each saintess is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular female saint
Background Information: Female Saints
Throughout history, there have been countless women who have devoted their lives to serving God and helping others. These women, known as female saints, have inspired millions with their acts of compassion, courage, and faith. From the earliest days of Christianity, women played a vital role in spreading the message of Christ, and many were martyred for their beliefs.
Over the centuries, the Catholic Church has recognized the holiness of many of these women, canonizing them as saints. These female saints come from all walks of life, from queens and nobles to peasants and nuns. Some are famous for their mystical visions and miracles, while others are remembered for their tireless work in caring for the sick and poor.
Among the most popular female saints are Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is revered as the Queen of Heaven and the model of motherhood; St. Therese of Lisieux, known as the "Little Flower," who lived a simple and humble life of prayer and sacrifice; and St. Joan of Arc, the courageous warrior who led the French army to victory against the English.
Whether they lived hundreds of years ago or in modern times, these female saints continue to inspire and guide us with their devotion to God and their love for humanity. Their lives and teachings offer a powerful example of faith, hope, and charity, and remind us of the eternal rewards that await us in heaven.
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