Trying to earn the eternal life.
Gal:2:16: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
There is no such thing as salvation by works, only salvation through grace.
Praying to saints and the Blessed Virgin was most definitely NOT discouraged at the Council of Trent. Salvation comes exclusively from Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ, but to attain this salvation one must needs have works as the Bible plainly states. But no Church Council ever taught that salvation is won by good works, salvation only comes through the good works of Our Blessed Lord on the cross for our salvation - we do not "earn" salvation by working for it, even though without works, we are most probably damned.
Pelagius
Salvation through good works
Some denominations that believe in salvation by works as a key tenet of their faith include the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Martin Luther believed the Roman Catholic Church distorts the role of good works in Christian life because he believes the doctrine of salvation by faith. That the work of Christ on the Cross is the salvation. Then one will want to do good works. Catholics believed the good works bring salvation.
The Bible says that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:8). However the faith has to be proved by subsequent works according to the Word of God. The one who believes must be baptized in the water (Mark 16:16).
Counterfeit church groups that teach salvation by works rather than salvation by grace through faith are often referred to as "legalistic" or "works-based" religious movements. These groups may emphasize adherence to rules and rituals as a means of attaining salvation, diverging from the core Christian belief that salvation is a gift from God received through faith in Jesus Christ. Terms like "cults" or "heretical sects" may also be used to describe such groups, depending on their teachings and practices.
Thomas Howes has written: 'Markes of salvation' -- subject(s): Early works to 1800, Christian life, Salvation
No. To do so would be salvation by works, not faith.
Yes, Catholics still follow the teachings of Christ that salvation is obtained by faith coupled with good works. As St. James said, "Faith without good works is dead." Also, read Matthew chapter 25.
Elijah Norton has written: 'Salvation for all men' -- subject(s): Salvation 'Salvation for all men and a special salvation for all true believers' -- subject(s): Early works to 1800, Salvation, Universalism, Sermons, American, Sermons, American Sermons 'The Methodist system and church annihilated by the scriptures of truth' -- subject(s): Controversial literature, Election (Theology), Good works (Theology), Methodism, Justification, Justification (Christian theology)