Secular saint

Monument to José Tomás de Sousa Martins, 19th-century Portuguese physician, in Lisbon. After his death, a popular secular cult arose around his figure: ex-votos thanking him for miraculous cures and a rack for votive candles can be found around the base of the statue.

The term "secular saint" has no strict definition, but generally refers to someone venerated and respected for contributions to a noble cause, but not recognized as a canonical saint by any particular religion. The ranks of secular saints, like those of religious ones, are often filled by martyrs.