An Apologetical Explanation of the

Intercession of the Saints

Why do we pray to the saints for their intercession?

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.  (Heb 12:1)

Because we are joined to those who have gone before us through the Communion of Saints, we can call upon the faithful departed for their intercessory prayers for our intentions here on earth.

The Church, in her prayers and liturgies, frequently asks for the intercession of the saints and those faithful who have gone before us into the next life (cf. CCC 957-958, 2647).  This pious practice pertains to the doctrine of the Communion of Saints, through which the faithful on earth (the Church Militant) are united as one body with the faithful in Purgatory (the Church Suffering) and the blessed in Heaven (the Church Triumphant).  Devotion to the saints corresponds in its very essence to the profound reality of the Church as a mystery of communion.  (Cf. CCC 948, 961, 1476)

We believe in the communion of all the faithful in Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers. (Paul VI, CPG 30; cf. CCC 962)

By reason of the fact that those in heaven are more closely united with Christ, they establish the whole Church more firmly in holiness…. They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, showing forth the merits which they won on earth through the one Mediator between God and man (cf. 1 Tm 2:5)…. Thus by their brotherly interest our weakness is greatly strengthened.  (LG 49)

Just as we ask for prayers from those on earth who have a close relationship with God, we likewise ask for the intercession of saints because we know they are united with Christ.  (Cf. CCC 2683)

It is supremely fitting, therefore, that we love those friends and coheirs of Jesus Christ, who are also our brothers and extraordinary benefactors, that we render due thanks to God for them and suppliantly invoke them and have recourse to their prayers, their power to help in obtaining benefits from God through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Redeemer and Saviour.  (DS 1821; LG 50)

The Catechism addresses this question in paragraphs 956 and 2692.

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