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This page explains how articles about saints are created and organized on this wiki, particularly those in the [[:Category:Saints]] category. It’s designed for someone new to wikis, MediaWiki, or our system for creating saint articles. We’ll cover what happens when you create a saint article, how the information is structured, and how the template and form work together to make this process easier.
This page explains the format of articles about saints in the [[:Category:Saints]] category and serves as a guide for editors to create and improve these articles. It’s designed for people new to wikis, MediaWiki, or our system for saint articles. You’ll learn how to create a saint article using a prompt, understand the standard article structure, and—most importantly—how to enhance articles beyond their initial drafts to make them more accurate, detailed, and engaging. We encourage human editors to refine these articles using the AI scale (`ReviewLevel`) to track improvements.


== What is a saint article? ==
== Overview of saint articles ==
A saint article is a wiki page about a person recognized by the Catholic Church (or other Christian groups) as a saint, blessed, venerable, or servant of God. These articles follow a standard format to ensure all pages about saints look similar and contain consistent information, like their birth, death, miracles, and patronage. The [[:Category:Saints]] groups all these pages together, so users can easily find and browse them.
A saint article is a wiki page about a person recognized by the Catholic Church (or other Christian groups) as a saint, blessed, venerable, or servant of God. These articles follow a consistent format to make them easy to read and navigate, covering details like the saint’s life, miracles, and patronage. All saint articles are grouped in the [[:Category:Saints]], allowing users to browse them easily.


Each saint article is built using three main tools:
Saint articles are created and improved using three main tools:
* A '''template''' that organizes key facts about the saint in a neat box (called an infobox) and adds the page to the Saints category.
* A '''template''' ({{tl|Saints}}) that organizes key facts in an infobox and stores them in a database called Cargo.
* A '''form''' that makes it easy to enter information about the saint without writing complex code.
* A '''form''' that simplifies entering information without needing to write code.
* A '''prompt''' that guides how the article’s text is written, ensuring it follows a consistent structure.
* A '''prompt''' that generates the initial draft of the article, often using AI, to provide a starting point.


Below, we’ll explain each part of this system and how it creates a complete article.
Articles are initially created with the prompt, which provides a basic draft. However, we strongly encourage human editors to expand and verify these drafts, improving their quality and updating the `ReviewLevel` (from 0=AI-Generated to 5=Fully Human-Validated) to reflect their work. This guide will show you how to create an article and take it to the next level.
 
== How to create a saint article ==
New saint articles are created using the Saints form and a prompt to generate the initial content. Here’s how to do it:
 
1. '''Go to the Saints form''': Visit the form page (linked at the top of the Saints form page) and enter the name of the saint (e.g., “Saint Patrick”) in the input box. If the page doesn’t exist, the form will let you create it; if it does, you can edit it.
2. '''Fill in the form fields''': The form has fields for key details, like “Saint Name,” “Feast Day,” and “Patronage.” Use the prompt (found at [[Prompts]]) as a guide to enter accurate information. The prompt specifies:
  * Use formats like YYYY-MM-DD for dates (e.g., 1912-01-24 for birthdate).
  * Enter GPS coordinates for locations (e.g., 40.748817, -73.985428, not {{tl|coord}}).
  * Provide details like miracles, patronage, and notable locations where the saint lived or worked.
  * Set `ReviewLevel=0` (AI-Generated) if the article is based on the prompt without human review.
3. '''Add text using the prompt''': In the “Free text” area of the form, follow the prompt’s structure to write the article’s sections (e.g., Lead, Biography, Miracles). The prompt ensures the initial draft has:
  * A 2–3 paragraph lead summarizing the saint’s life.
  * Sections like Biography, Canonization, and Miracles, each with 2–3 paragraphs or bullet points.
  * A map of parishes named after the saint in the Parishes section, using {{tl|Saint parish map|Where=[SAINT NAME]|zoom=7|Saint=[SAINT NAME]}}.
  * Internal links to pages like [[Diocese]] or [[Religious order]] in the text (not the infobox).
  * Citations in Wikipedia style (see [[Wikipedia:Citing sources]]).
4. '''Save the page''': Submit the form to create the article. The form will generate a page with the {{tl|Saints}} template filled out, the text from the prompt, and the page added to [[:Category:Saints]] and [[:Category:AI-Generated]] (if `ReviewLevel=0`).
 
This creates a basic article, but it’s just a starting point. The next section explains how to improve it.
 
== Improving saint articles ==
Our goal is to make saint articles as accurate and detailed as possible. Initial drafts created with the prompt are often AI-generated (`ReviewLevel=0`) and may lack depth, context, or verified sources. Human editors are essential to enhance these articles. Here’s how you can help:
 
1. '''Verify facts''': Check the information in the infobox and text against reliable sources, like books, Catholic websites (e.g., CatholicSaints.info), or church records. Correct errors in dates, locations, or miracles.
2. '''Expand sections''': Add more detail to sections like Biography or Miracles. For example:
  * In “Early Life,” include specific stories about the saint’s childhood or education.
  * In “Veneration,” describe local traditions or artworks depicting the saint.
3. '''Add sources''': Include citations for all facts, using `<ref>` tags (e.g., `<ref>[https://catholicsaints.info/saint-patrick/ CatholicSaints.info]</ref>`). Add these to the References section with {{tl|Reflist}}.
4. '''Improve the map''': Ensure the {{tl|Saint parish map}} in the Parishes section accurately shows parishes named after the saint. If the map is incomplete, add data (e.g., parish locations) if supported by your wiki’s setup.
5. '''Enhance readability''': Rewrite AI-generated text to make it more engaging, clear, or concise. Add images (if allowed) or links to related wiki pages.
6. '''Update ReviewLevel''': After editing, update the `ReviewLevel` in the {{tl|Saints}} template to reflect your work:
  * 0 = AI-Generated (no human review).
  * 1 = Minimal Human Review (basic fact-checking).
  * 2 = Moderate Human Review (some sections expanded).
  * 3 = Substantial Human Review (major additions or rewrites).
  * 4 = Extensive Human Review (thoroughly revised).
  * 5 = Fully Human-Validated (completely verified and polished).
  This “AI scale” tracks progress and encourages editors to improve articles.
7. '''Save and categorize''': Save your changes, and the template will automatically update the review category (e.g., [[:Category:Human-Reviewed-Level3]] for `ReviewLevel=3`).
 
By editing articles, you help make them more reliable and useful for readers, moving them up the AI scale toward `ReviewLevel=5`.


== The structure of a saint article ==
== The structure of a saint article ==
Every saint article follows a predictable layout, making it easy for readers to find information. Here’s what a typical saint article looks like:
Every saint article follows a standard format to ensure consistency. Below is the structure, with tips for improving each section:


=== Lead section ===
=== Lead section ===
The lead section is a short summary (2–3 paragraphs) at the top of the article, before any headings. It gives a quick overview of the saint’s life, such as where and when they lived, what they did, and why they’re considered a saint. For example, it might mention that Saint Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan order and is known for his love of nature. The lead doesn’t include the infobox but may link to related pages like [[Diocese]] or [[Religious order]].
A 2–3 paragraph summary at the top, before any headings, outlining the saint’s life (e.g., Saint Patrick’s role in converting Ireland). It includes links to related pages like [[Diocese]] or [[Religious order]] but not the infobox.
* '''Improvement tip''': Add specific anecdotes or historical context to make the lead engaging. Verify details with sources.


=== Infobox ===
=== Infobox ===
The infobox is a box on the right side of the article that lists key facts about the saint, like their birthdate, death date, feast day, and patronage. It’s created automatically using the {{tl|Saints}} template (explained below). The infobox makes it easy to see important details at a glance.
A box on the right showing key facts (e.g., birthdate, feast day) using the {{tl|Saints}} template. See below for details.
* '''Improvement tip''': Double-check dates, coordinates, and patronage. Add missing details like `PrimaryShrine` or `SaintMiracle3`.


=== Biography ===
=== Biography ===
This section is divided into smaller subsections, each with 2–3 paragraphs:
Subsections with 2–3 paragraphs each:
* '''Birth''': Details about where and when the saint was born, including their family or early circumstances.
* '''Birth''': Where and when the saint was born, including family details.
* '''Early Life''': Information about their childhood, education, or early experiences.
* '''Early Life''': Childhood, education, or early experiences.
* '''Occupation''': What the saint did for a living, like being a doctor or teacher, before or alongside their religious work.
* '''Occupation''': Their job, like teacher or soldier, before or alongside religious work.
* '''Vocation''': Their religious calling, such as becoming a priest, nun, or missionary.
* '''Vocation''': Their religious calling, like becoming a priest or nun.
* '''Death''': How, when, and where the saint died, such as through martyrdom or natural causes.
* '''Death''': How, when, and where they died (e.g., martyrdom).
* '''Improvement tip''': Add primary sources or quotes from the saint’s writings. Flesh out sparse sections with historical details.


=== Significant events ===
=== Significant events ===
This is a bullet-point list of major events or achievements in the saint’s life, like founding a religious order or becoming a bishop.
A bullet-point list of major achievements (e.g., founding a religious order).
* '''Improvement tip''': Include lesser-known events or cross-reference other wiki pages.


=== Parishes ===
=== Parishes ===
This section includes a map showing locations related to the saint, such as their birthplace or primary shrine, using a special template called {{tl|Saint parish map}}.
A map of parishes named after the saint, using {{tl|Saint parish map|Where=[SAINT NAME]|zoom=7|Saint=[SAINT NAME]}}.
* '''Improvement tip''': Verify the map’s accuracy. If parishes are missing, research and add them (if your wiki supports this).


=== Canonization ===
=== Canonization ===
This section describes the process of the saint being officially recognized by the Catholic Church. It’s split into:
The process of becoming a saint, with subsections:
* '''Servant of God''': When the Church first started investigating the person’s life.
* '''Servant of God''': When the Church began investigating their life.
* '''Venerable''': When the Pope declares they lived a life of heroic virtue.
* '''Venerable''': When declared to have heroic virtue.
* '''Beatification''': When they’re named “Blessed” after a miracle is confirmed.
* '''Beatification''': When named Blessed after a miracle.
* '''Canonization''': When they’re officially declared a saint, usually after a second miracle.
* '''Canonization''': When declared a saint after a second miracle.
* '''Improvement tip''': Add specific dates, Popes, or ceremony details from Vatican sources.


=== Miracles ===
=== Miracles ===
This section lists miracles attributed to the saint, such as healings, that helped them become beatified or canonized. It includes:
Miracles for beatification, canonization, and others, in 2–3 paragraphs or bullet points.
* '''Miracle for beatification''': A miracle that led to the person being named Blessed.
* '''Improvement tip''': Describe miracles in detail, citing church records or biographies.
* '''Miracle for canonization''': A second miracle for becoming a saint.
* '''Other notable miracles''': Any additional miracles, if known.


=== Patronage ===
=== Patronage ===
This lists what the saint is a patron of, like professions (e.g., doctors), places (e.g., France), or causes (e.g., lost causes).
What the saint is a patron of (e.g., professions, places).
* '''Improvement tip''': List additional patronages from reliable sources, like local traditions.


=== Feast day ===
=== Feast day ===
The specific day(s) when the saint is celebrated in the Church’s calendar, like “July 04” for a feast on July 4.
The day(s) the saint is celebrated, like “March 17” for Saint Patrick.
* '''Improvement tip''': Confirm the date with liturgical calendars and note variations (e.g., local feasts).


=== Veneration ===
=== Veneration ===
This describes how people honor the saint, such as through prayers, pilgrimages, or visiting their relics. It also mentions artworks or media about the saint.
How the saint is honored (e.g., prayers, pilgrimages) and their depiction in art or media.
* '''Improvement tip''': Add details about relics, festivals, or modern portrayals (e.g., films).


=== Books ===
=== Books ===
This section lists books written about the saint or by the saint, with links to sources like Amazon.
Books about or by the saint, with links to sources like Amazon.
* '''Improvement tip''': Include recent or obscure works, ensuring links are valid.


=== External links ===
=== External links ===
A bullet-point list of trustworthy websites with more information about the saint, like CatholicSaints.info or Catholic.org.
Trustworthy websites (e.g., CatholicSaints.info) about the saint.
* '''Improvement tip''': Add high-quality sources and remove outdated links.


=== References ===
=== References ===
A list of sources used in the article, formatted as citations to show where the information came from.
Citations for all facts, using {{tl|Reflist}}.
* '''Improvement tip''': Ensure every fact has a citation. Use books or academic sources for credibility.


This structure ensures every saint article is consistent, easy to read, and informative.
This structure keeps articles consistent, but human edits make them shine.


== The Saints template ==
== The Saints template ==
The {{tl|Saints}} template is like a blueprint that organizes key facts about a saint into an infobox and stores them in a database called Cargo. When you create a saint article, you fill in the template with details, and it automatically displays them in a neat box on the page. It also adds the page to the [[:Category:Saints]] and, based on how much the article has been reviewed, to a review category like [[:Category:AI-Generated]] or [[:Category:Human-Validated]].
The {{tl|Saints}} template organizes key facts into an infobox and stores them in the Cargo database for searching (e.g., finding all saints from Ireland). It also adds the page to [[:Category:Saints]] and a review category based on `ReviewLevel`.


Here are the main pieces of information (called parameters) the template collects:
Key parameters include:
* '''SaintName''': The saint’s full title, like “Saint Francis of Assisi” or “Blessed Mother Teresa.”
* '''SaintName''': Full title (e.g., “Saint Francis of Assisi”).
* '''SaintStage''': Their current status, like Saint, Blessed, Venerable, or Servant of God.
* '''SaintStage''': Status (e.g., Saint, Blessed).
* '''FeastDay''': The day they’re celebrated, like “October 04.”
* '''FeastDay''': Celebration day (e.g., “October 04”).
* '''SaintBirthDate''', '''SaintBirthPlace''', '''SaintBirthCoordinates''': When and where they were born, with GPS coordinates (e.g., 40.748817, -73.985428).
* '''SaintBirthDate''', '''SaintBirthPlace''', '''SaintBirthCoordinates''': Birth details.
* '''SaintDeathDate''', '''DeathPlace''', '''SaintDeathCoordinates''', '''SaintCauseOfDeath''': When, where, and how they died.
* '''SaintDeathDate''', '''DeathPlace''', '''SaintDeathCoordinates''', '''SaintCauseOfDeath''': Death details.
* '''NotableAddress1–5''', '''NotableLabel1–5''', '''NotableCoordinates1–5''': Up to five important places where the saint lived or worked, with labels (e.g., “First parish”) and coordinates.
* '''NotableAddress1–5''', '''NotableLabel1–5''', '''NotableCoordinates1–5''': Significant places the saint lived/worked.
* '''BeatificationDate''', '''Beatifier''', '''BeatificationLocation''': Details about their beatification.
* '''BeatificationDate''', '''Beatifier''', '''BeatificationLocation''': Beatification details.
* '''Canonized''', '''CanonizationDate''', '''Canonizer''', '''CanonizationLocation''': Details about their canonization.
* '''Canonized''', '''CanonizationDate''', '''Canonizer''', '''CanonizationLocation''': Canonization details.
* '''SaintMiracle1–3''': Miracles attributed to the saint.
* '''SaintMiracle1–3''': Miracles attributed to the saint.
* '''Profession''': Their job, like teacher or soldier.
* '''Profession''': Job (e.g., doctor).
* '''ReligiousAffiliation''': Their religious group, like Franciscans or a specific diocese.
* '''ReligiousAffiliation''': Group (e.g., Franciscans).
* '''Patronage''': What they’re a patron of, like travelers or nurses.
* '''Patronage''': What they’re patron of.
* '''Attributes''': Symbols associated with them, like Saint Peter’s keys.
* '''Attributes''': Symbols (e.g., Saint Peter’s keys).
* '''PrimaryShrine''': Where their relics are kept or they’re most honored.
* '''PrimaryShrine''': Where relics are kept.
* '''AdditionalVeneration''': Other groups (e.g., other churches) that honor them.
* '''AdditionalVeneration''': Other groups honoring them.
* '''AssociatedCountries''', '''AssociatedDioceses''': Countries and dioceses linked to their life.
* '''AssociatedCountries''', '''AssociatedDioceses''': Related places.
* '''ReviewLevel''': How much the article has been checked (0 = AI-generated, 5 = fully human-validated).
* '''ReviewLevel''': AI scale (0=AI-Generated, 1=Minimal Human Review, 2=Moderate, 3=Substantial, 4=Extensive, 5=Fully Human-Validated).


The template stores this information in the Cargo database, which lets us search or display it later (e.g., to list all saints born in a certain country). It also formats the feast day (e.g., turning “October 04” into “October 4”) and adds the page to the right categories.
* '''Improvement tip''': Verify all parameters, especially coordinates and miracles. Update `ReviewLevel` after editing.


== The Saints form ==
== The Saints form ==
The Saints form is a user-friendly tool that lets you enter information about a saint without writing code. It’s part of the Page Forms extension and is tied to the {{tl|Saints}} template. When you use the form, you type or select information into fields, like “Saint Name” or “Birthdate.” The form then creates a wiki page with the {{tl|Saints}} template filled in and adds any extra text you provide.
The Saints form, part of the Page Forms extension, lets you create or edit articles without coding. You enter data into fields (e.g., “Saint Name”) tied to the {{tl|Saints}} template and add text in the “Free text” area. For new articles, use the prompt to guide your input. For existing articles, edit fields and text to improve them, then update `ReviewLevel`.
 
For example:
* You enter “Saint Patrick” in the “Saint” field, “March 17” in the “Feast Day” field, and so on.
* The form creates a page with the template filled out, like:
  <pre>{{Saints
  |SaintName=Saint Patrick
  |FeastDay=March 17
  ...
  }}</pre>
* The page is automatically added to [[:Category:Saints]] and a review category based on the “ReviewLevel” you select.
 
The form makes it easy for anyone, even without wiki experience, to create a saint article that looks professional and follows the standard format.
 
== The prompt ==
The prompt is a set of instructions used to write the full text of the saint article, ensuring it follows the structure described above. It’s like a recipe for writing the article. The prompt tells the writer (or an AI tool) to:
* Create a 2–3 paragraph lead section summarizing the saint’s life.
* Fill in the {{tl|Saints}} template with details like birthdate, miracles, and patronage.
* Write detailed sections for Biography, Significant events, Canonization, Miracles, and more.
* Add internal links to related pages (e.g., [[Diocese]] or [[Religious order]]) in the text but not in the infobox.
* Include citations to show where the information came from, following Wikipedia’s style.
* Use specific formats, like YYYY-MM-DD for dates and GPS coordinates for locations.


The prompt ensures every saint article has the same sections and style, making them consistent and reliable. For example, it specifies that the “Feast day” section should list the date as “March 17” for Saint Patrick, and the “Miracles” section should describe specific miracles in 2–3 paragraphs.
* '''Improvement tip''': Use the form to correct errors or add missing fields. Check the “Free text” for AI-generated content that needs rewriting.


== How it all works together ==
== Why improve saint articles? ==
Here’s how the template, form, and prompt create a saint article:
Initial drafts from the prompt are a starting point but may lack depth or accuracy. Human editors bring articles to life by:
# You go to the Saints form and enter a page name, like “Saint Patrick.”
* Adding unique stories or historical context.
# The form shows fields for all the template parameters (e.g., Saint Name, Birthdate, Patronage).
* Verifying facts with primary sources.
# You fill in the fields with information about the saint, following the prompt’s guidance (e.g., entering “March 17” for Feast Day).
* Enhancing the map of parishes named after the saint.
# You add extra text for the article’s sections (like Biography or Miracles) in the “Free text” area of the form.
* Making the text engaging and polished.
# When you save the form, it creates a new page with:
  * The {{tl|Saints}} template filled out, which displays the infobox and stores data in Cargo.
  * The page added to [[:Category:Saints]] and a review category (e.g., [[:Category:AI-Generated]] if ReviewLevel is 0).
  * The extra text you entered, forming the article’s sections like Biography and Canonization.
# The [[:Category:Saints]] page automatically lists the new article, so readers can find it.


For example, if you create an article for Saint Patrick:
The AI scale (`ReviewLevel`) tracks your contributions, showing readers how reliable the article is. A `ReviewLevel=5` article is a fully validated, high-quality resource. Your edits help build a valuable collection of saint articles for everyone to use.
* The infobox shows his feast day (March 17), patronage (Ireland, engineers), and other facts.
* The article has sections like “Biography” (describing his life) and “Miracles” (listing miracles like healings).
* The page is listed under [[:Category:Saints]], and you can search the Cargo database to find all saints with a feast day in March.


== Why this matters ==
== Get started ==
This system makes it easy to create detailed, consistent articles about saints, even if you’re new to wikis. The form simplifies data entry, the template organizes facts neatly, and the prompt ensures the article’s text follows a standard structure. Together, they help build a collection of saint articles that are easy to read, search, and maintain.
* To '''create''' an article, visit the Saints form, enter the saint’s name, and follow the prompt at [[Prompts]].
* To '''improve''' an article, edit an existing page, verify facts, add details, and update `ReviewLevel`.
* Check [[:Category:Saints]] for articles needing review (e.g., [[:Category:AI-Generated]]).


If you want to create a saint article, start by visiting the Saints form (linked at the top of the form page) and entering the saint’s name. Follow the prompt’s guidelines to fill in the details, and you’ll have a complete article in no time!
Your contributions make a difference!


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[:Category:Saints]] – Browse all saint articles.
* [[:Category:Saints]] – Browse all saint articles.
* [[Help:Templates]] – Learn more about how templates work.
* [[Help:Templates]] – Learn about templates.
* [[Help:Page Forms]] – Understand how forms simplify page creation.
* [[Help:Page Forms]] – Understand forms.


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates MediaWiki: Templates] – Official guide to templates.
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Templates MediaWiki: Templates] – Guide to templates.
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Page_Forms MediaWiki: Page Forms] – Official guide to the Page Forms extension.
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Page_Forms MediaWiki: Page Forms] – Guide to forms.
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Cargo MediaWiki: Cargo] – Official guide to the Cargo database system.
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Cargo MediaWiki: Cargo] – Guide to the Cargo database.
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