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The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 1994
956 The intercession of the saints. "Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness . . . [T]hey do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus . . . so by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped." (Lumen Gentium 49; cf. 1 Tim 2:5
Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life. (St. Dominic, dying, to his brothers)
I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth. (St. Thérèse of Lisieux, The Final Conversations, tr. John Clarke {Washington: ICS [Institute of Carmelite Studies], 1977}, 102.
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957 Communion with the saints. "It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God itself" (Lumen Gentium 50; cf. Eph 4:1-6):
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We worship Christ as God's Son; we love the martyrs as the Lord's disciples and imitators, and rightly so because of their matchless devotion towards their king and master. May we also be their companions and fellow disciples! (Martyrium Polycarpi, 17: Apostolic Fathers II/3, 396)
AnswerYes, Catholics pray both to God and to the saints. The saints are our intercessors in Heaven and know how to "talk" to God for us. We on Earth are united to the saints through the Mystical Body of Christ - the Communion of Saints.
Plus, at a Church, they pray for their patron saint along with the name of God.
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Why do you honor saints in heaven?
Yes catholics honor and believe in saints. They pray to saints, build churches in their honor. Catholics believe that saints in heaven pray on their behalf to GOD.
Do Catholics pray to statues?
No, Catholics do not pray to statues. Catholics pray to God, Jesus, and ask Saints to pray for them.
What religions pray to saints?
The Catholics pray to Saints. They believe they are in heaven with God and pray on our behalf as well.
Can Catholics ask dead people to pray for them or do they have to be saints?
Catholic do not pray to 'dead people' unless they are saints.
Why do you pray to saints?
Catholics pray to saints to intercede on their behalf with God. The Reformation leader, Martin Luther, considered this akin to polytheism and therefore banned this practice from his churches, so Protestants do not pray to saints.
Are Catholics required to pray to saints?
Catholics are not required to pray to saints, but it is a common practice in Catholic tradition to seek the intercession of saints for their prayers. This is based on the belief that the saints can intercede on behalf of individuals before God. Ultimately, prayer in the Catholic faith is directed to God, but saints can serve as intercessors.
How does the church answer the criticism that Catholics pray to saints?
The Catholic Church teaches that when Catholics pray to saints, they are asking for their intercession and support, much like asking a friend to pray for you. This practice is based on the belief in the communion of saints, where members of the Church, both living and deceased, are interconnected and can support one another through prayer. It is not a form of worship, as worship is reserved for God alone.
Why do some Catholics ask the saints for help?
Saints are believed to be divinely connected with God, like a direct line. So we pray to them to ask them to ask God to help us, or pray to God for us, we believe God can do some miracles, through the saints. For a Catholic, the Saints are very much alive and in heaven, and just as you would ask a friend to pray for you, you can ask the saints to pray for you as well. Catholics use the word "pray" in the traditional sense of the word, whereas most protestants use "pray" to be the same thing as worship. Catholics do NOT worship saints.
Who can a Catholic pray to besides the God?
Catholics pray to Mother Mary, St. Joseph - the father of Jesus Christ and they can pray to all saints. There are patron saints for almost each and everything. So in times of difficulty when you pray to these saints, these saints in-turn pray to God on your behalf and the petitions are answered soon.
Why do Catholics worship saints?
Catholics worship only God. However, we venerate, or honor, saints and, in doing so, honor their Creator. This is little different from honoring George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or other historical figures. Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints and the Mystical Body of Christ which includes all saints, living and dead, who are united spiritually.
Do Catholics worship saints?
Catholics worship only God. However, we venerate, or honor, saints and, in doing so, honor their Creator. This is little different from honoring George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or other historical figures. Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints and the Mystical Body of Christ which includes all saints, living and dead, who are united spiritually.
Is worship of saints and the virgin Mary encouraged in the Council of Trent?
Yes, the Council of Trent reaffirmed the veneration of saints and the Virgin Mary as important aspects of Catholic belief and practice. It emphasized the intercessory role of saints and Mary in prayers, while also condemning any worship that detracts from the adoration due to God alone.
