Who are the saints, and why do they matter?

"Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight." — Hebrews 12:1

Ancient Faith presents recommended reading and listening on sainthood, intercessory prayer, canonization, and related questions. Also included below are resources for beginning to learn the stories of the saints.

Who are the saints, and why do they matter?

Intercessory Prayer
Suspicious of Praying to Saints, Part 1
Suspicious of Praying to Saints, Part 2
Prayers to the Saints - Part 1: What is a Saint?
Prayers to the Saints - Part 2: Why Intercession?
Prayers to the Saints - Part 3: The State of the Dead
Prayers to the Saints - Part 4: State of the Dead, cont'd.
What is a saint and how do you become a saint?