Question:
Is there a list of what the initials after a saint’s name mean? For example, Margaret of Scotland has "mw" after her name, and Gertrude the Great has "vr."
Answer:
The initials refer to the state of life or particular category of witness the saint had on Earth. So, “mw” means “married woman,” and “vr” is “virgin and religious.” There are many combinations, especially in the newer form of the Roman rite. The traditional categories are Apostle, Doctor, Martyr, Virgin Martyr, Virgin, Confessor, and Matron or “neither Virgin nor Martyr.” The new categories are Apostle, Martyr, Pastor (bishop or priest), Doctor, Virgin and Martyr, Holy Man, Holy Woman: religious, educator, one who worked for the underprivileged. The initials for these titles can vary.
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