“The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church’s history.” ~ Pope John Paul II
Obviously if our devotion to a certain saint becomes more prominent than our devotion to Jesus Christ or to God, then we are taking it too far and that can become a problem. As Catholics we pray to the saints not to give them glory or to worship them, but to thank them for the example they have set for us and to ask them for their intercession. In the book of Revelation we read of Heavenly worship and the “24 elders” offer up the prayers of the saints on earth:
“Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones.” ~ Revelation 5:8b
The saints and angels are praying to God constantly and we join them when we pray. Scott Hahn does a great job of describing how as Catholics we look at the saints as our older brothers and sisters. It’s normal for us to ask others to pray for us and our families, and that’s exactly what we do when we invoke the intercession of the saints in heaven. They are closer to God than we are so why not ask for their help?
It’s important to remember is that before you say the Catholic Church teaches this or that, read the Catechism for the truth on what the Church teaches. Here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about 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.” ~ CCC #956
The devotion to saints is something that we hold dear to our hearts as Catholics, but it is under fire by the ardent anti-Catholicism of recent years. I believe that these claims come from ignorance and for that reason we must strive to share the truth.
“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
I can’t speak for all of you and I pray only that God will open the eyes of these people to better understand the reasoning behind these practices of the Catholic Church. St. Thérèse of Lisieux put it beautifully when she said: “I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth.”
More on the Saints
I will share some links below to more detailed explanations of the Intercession of Saints including Biblical references to it for those who practice Sola Scriptura.
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Teaching on Saints
Scott Hahn – The Communion of Saints
Scott Hahn – Purgatory and Praying to Saints
John Martignoni – The Communion of Saints
Catholic Encyclopedia – The Communion of Saints
Scott P. Richert – Why Do Roman Catholics Pray to the Saints?
Catholic Answers – Mary & the Saints