A Catholic tradition: asking the saints for help

What do we mean when we call someone a saint? For Catholics, canonization it is a formal declaration that the person named is in heaven. There is a definite procedure the Church follows before the Pope declares anyone a saint. There is a detailed investigation of the person's earthly life, to make sure he or she committed no serious, ongoing sin. In addition, there must be evidence presented of at least two scientifically-proven miracles which occurred after this person had died and their help was sought in prayer.

There are many saints in heaven whose names are unknown. They are holy people who lived lives of quiet sanctity without attracting attention. Many members of your family and mine may be among their number. We can enlist their help in bringing our petitions before the throne of God.

Imagine, if you will, the saints' present situation. They are eternally happy, praising God in heaven, but, just as we do not forget them, they do not forget those they left behind on earth. They are in a splendid position to petition the Almighty for favours to help friends and loved ones. They are very near the throne of the God of infinite love. They can ask more effectively and powerfully than we earthlings who are so easily distracted and plagued by doubts which assail our already weak faith.

Catholics do not pray to saints. Rather we ask their help in bringing our requests to God. We honour the saints; we may study their lives and use them for role models. Devout parents may give their child the name of a saint, thus asking the holy one to look out for the child and help him through life to attain heaven. Catholics look on the saints as friends, helpers, humans like us who have successfully completed their earthly journey.

Catholics believe in the doctrine of "The Communion of Saints". There are three levels of existence in which we may someday find ourselves. (Actually, there is a fourth, Hell, which doesn't enter this discussion. We hope none of us ever experience it).

We, on earth, are referred to as the church militant. We are struggling against temptations from the world, the flesh and the devil. We can pray for the souls in Purgatory. We can ask for help from those in heaven.

Those in heaven are referred to as the church triumphant. They are the saints, both known and unknown. They have reached their goal. They can pray for us on earth, and also for the souls in Purgatory.

Those in Purgatory are called the church suffering. These souls left earth with some sins or imperfections on their souls. They are undergoing a purifying process which will make them fit to enter the perfection of heaven. Their time of suffering can be lessened by the intercession of those in heaven and those on earth.

The "Communion of Saints" is a circle of friends on a cosmic scale. It's been said that we don't go to heaven alone. We go with and through other people. The Church community of transcends time and space as we know it.

Catholics, then, do not pray to saints as we pray to God. We ask the saints to present our prayers to the Almighty from their more advantageous position. The scores of requests believed to have been granted through their intercession is convincing testimony to the effectiveness of this tradition.