Can Catholics Pray to the Saints?

Can Catholics Pray to the Saints?

In the Catholic Church, the practice of asking for the intercession of the saints is a beautiful part of our faith. Catholics do not see praying to the saints as worshiping them. Instead, we ask these holy men and women to pray for us, just as we might ask a good friend to pray on our behalf. This understanding comes from the rich tradition of the Church and the teachings of the Church Fathers.

What is Intercession?  Intercession means asking someone to pray for us to God. When Catholics pray to the saints, we request that they intercede with God on our behalf. This practice is similar to asking a trusted friend to keep us in their prayers, knowing that their support can be a great comfort.

• Connection with the Communion of Saints: Our faith teaches that all members of the Church, those on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven, are united in a spiritual bond. This holy unity makes it natural for us to seek the prayers of those who have led lives of extraordinary faith.
• The Example of the Saints: The saints serve as models of virtue and holiness. By praying to them, Catholics remind themselves of the powerful examples they set, helping us to grow in our own relationship with God.
• The Help of the Righteous: Just as we may request our friends to pray for us during difficult times, we ask the saints, who are close to God, to offer their support. Their prayers are seen as a powerful help on our spiritual journey.
• Tradition and Scripture: The practice is rooted in the long history of the Church. The Church Fathers and later theologians have written extensively about this form of prayer, establishing its legitimacy within Catholic teaching.

How Should We Understand This Practice?  It is important to know that Catholics do not believe that the saints have power independent of God. Instead, the saints act as intercessors, much like a caring friend offering support in prayer. All power and grace come from God alone.

This practice encourages us to live in a spirit of humility and reliance on our community of faith. Praying to the saints reminds us that the journey toward holiness is not walked alone – we are always supported by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, shining examples of God's love.