Praying to Saints
Q: Why do Catholics pray to Saints?
A: In the Nicene Creed that we pray together at Mass, we say that we believe in the communion of saints. This phrase refers to all of the members of the Body of Christthe entire Churchand the relationship of profound union that exists among them. Through baptism and the life of faith, all the members of the Body of Christ are invited into an individual relationship with Jesus Christ, the Head. It is this connection to him that brings the members of the Body of Christ into intimate relationship with one another. Death changes this relationship, but does not destroy it. Thus, both the living and the dead are part of the communion of saints and are in relationship with one another through Christ. This relationship allows us to pray for the saints in purgatory, that they may receive eternal life. This relationship also allows us to ask those who we know to be in heaven, Saints with an uppercase S, to pray for us and intercede on our behalf. Praying to a Saint is similar to asking for a friends prayers when we are experiencing some need. Saints are friendspraying for us in heaven!
Q: Why do Catholics pray to Saints?
A: In the Nicene Creed that we pray together at Mass, we say that we believe in the communion of saints. This phrase refers to all of the members of the Body of Christthe entire Churchand the relationship of profound union that exists among them. Through baptism and the life of faith, all the members of the Body of Christ are invited into an individual relationship with Jesus Christ, the Head. It is this connection to him that brings the members of the Body of Christ into intimate relationship with one another. Death changes this relationship, but does not destroy it. Thus, both the living and the dead are part of the communion of saints and are in relationship with one another through Christ. This relationship allows us to pray for the saints in purgatory, that they may receive eternal life. This relationship also allows us to ask those who we know to be in heaven, Saints with an uppercase S, to pray for us and intercede on our behalf. Praying to a Saint is similar to asking for a friends prayers when we are experiencing some need. Saints are friendspraying for us in heaven!
