Saints, intercession, relics, and images

Question 331

Does the first Commandment forbid the honoring of the saints?

The first Commandment does not forbid the honoring of the saints, but rather approves of it; because by honoring the saints, who are the chosen friends of God, we honor God Himself.

Question 332

Does the first Commandment forbid us to pray to the saints?

The first Commandment does not forbid us to pray to the saints.

Question 333

What do we mean by praying to the saints?

By praying to the saints we mean the asking of their help and prayers.

Question 334

How do we know that the saints hear us?

We know that the saints hear us, because they are with God, who makes our prayers known to them.

Question 335

Why do we believe that the saints will help us?

We believe that the saints will help us because both they and we are members of the same Church, and they love us as their brethren.

Question 336

How are the saints and we members of the same Church?

The saints and we are members of the same Church, because the Church in heaven and the Church on earth are one and the same Church, and all its members are in communion with one another.

Question 337

What is the communion of the members of the Church called?

The communion of the members of the Church is called the communion of saints.

Question 338

What does the communion of saints mean?

The communion of saints means the union which exists between the members of the Church on earth with one another, and with the blessed in heaven and with the suffering souls in purgatory.

Question 339

What benefits are derived from the communion of saints?

The following benefits are derived from the communion of saints:—the faithful on earth assist one another by their prayers and good works, and they are aided by the intercession of the saints in heaven, while both the saints in heaven and the faithful on earth help the souls in purgatory.

Question 340

Does the first Commandment forbid us to honor relics?

The first Commandment does not forbid us to honor relics, because relics are the bodies of the saints, or objects directly connected with them or with our Lord.

Question 341

Does the first Commandment forbid the making of images?

The first Commandment does forbid the making of images if they are made to be adored as gods, but it does not forbid the making of them to put us in mind of Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother, and the saints.

Question 342

Is it right to show respect to the pictures and images of Christ and His saints?

It is right to show respect to the pictures and images of Christ and His saints, because they are the representations and memorials of them.

Question 343

Is it allowed to pray to the crucifix or to the images and relics of the saints?

It is not allowed to pray to the crucifix or images and relics of the saints, for they have no life, nor power to help us, nor sense to hear us.

Question 344

Why do we pray before the crucifix and the images and relics of the saints?

We pray before the crucifix and images and relics of the saints because they enliven our devotion by exciting pious affections and desires, and by reminding us of Christ and of the saints, that we may imitate their virtues.

One communion in Christ

Questions 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339

Christians ask saints to pray with and for them as members alive in Christ. All help depends on Christ's mediation and grace. Scripture presents heavenly worship and prayer, but does not map the mechanics of awareness; the doctrine rests within the Church's communion, not claims of omniscience for saints.

Honor passes to the person represented

Questions 340, 341, 342, 343, 344

Relics and sacred images may be honored because bodies matter and God worked through real persons. Adoration belongs to God alone. Catholics do not address wood, paint, or bone as independent powers; prayer before an image uses a visible reminder to direct the mind to Christ or seek a saint's intercession.

Hebrews 12:1–2

The surrounding cloud of witnesses directs believers to perseverance with their eyes fixed on Jesus.

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Revelation 5:6–10

John's vision depicts heavenly worship in which bowls of incense signify the prayers of the saints.

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.