Holiness

Wikipedia says "The English word "holy" dates back to at least the 11th Century with the Old English word hālig, an adjective derived from hāl meaning "whole" and used to mean "uninjured, sound, healthy, entire, complete". The Scottish hale ("health, happiness and wholeness") is the most complete modern form of this Old English root."

As St Margaret was an 11th Century princess (then queen) who was reknowned in her own time for her personal qualities, as well as for her piety, the term as used in her case is very apt.

These days it seems to be used in a religious context - probably by osmosis as the church became the arbiter of what is good and wholesome and what is not.

It is, of course, completely possible for the non-religious to be sound, complete and wholesome, though believers often ascribe their morals to the precepts they learnt with their doctrine.

I don't think people can be holy! Surely it means things like the church building, and any items belonging to a religion. Books, or relics etc. Or God Himself of course!

What about the Pope?

Yes. The Pope. Forgot him.

I don't use the word 'holy' because of its religious connotations but I have known (and know) people who were simply good. They were (and are), kind, generous in thought and spirit, slow to judge and quick to support. Some are religious, some are not - it doesn't seem to make any difference. I think the ones who do have a strong faith would still be very lovely people without it, but it does mean that they have a group with whom they can share charitable work. Of course, some of my non-religious friends are also involved in charities, such as Rotary International.
The fact that somebody has been canonised cuts no ice with me - there are some very dodgy saints!

I don't use the word 'holy' because of its religious connotations but I have known (and know) people who were simply good. They were (and are), kind, generous in thought and spirit, slow to judge and quick to support. Some are religious, some are not - it doesn't seem to make any difference. I think the ones who do have a strong faith would still be very lovely people without it, but it does mean that they have a group with whom they can share charitable work. Of course, some of my non-religious friends are also involved in charities, such as Rotary International.
The fact that somebody has been canonised cuts no ice with me - there are some very dodgy saints!

We need a delete button - my computer is not showing me when a post has gone through, so I try again!