The Communion of Saints

The Communion of Saints is the unity in Christ of all the redeemed — those still on earth, those being purified in Purgatory, and those in Heaven. It is professed in the Apostles' Creed and refers both to the unity in holy persons and the unity in holy things, especially the Eucharist (CCC 948, 957, 960).

Three Parts of the Church

The Church exists in three dimensions: the Church Militant (those on earth, fighting sin and temptation), the Church Suffering (those in Purgatory being purified), and the Church Triumphant (those in Heaven who have attained eternal life). All three are united in Christ and can assist one another (CCC 954).

Intercession of the Saints

Because the saints in Heaven are alive in Christ and share his intercession, they can pray for us — and we can ask for their prayers. The Church has always invoked the saints as powerful intercessors. This is not praying to the dead in a pagan sense — it is asking members of the Body of Christ, more fully alive than we are, to intercede with God (CCC 956).

We Can Help the Dead

Our prayers and sacrifices — especially the Mass — can benefit the souls in Purgatory. This mutual charity across the boundaries of death is one of the most beautiful expressions of the Body of Christ (CCC 958).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does praying to saints undermine Christ's unique mediation? No. Christ is the one mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) — but this does not exclude the participation of others in his mediating role. Just as we ask living Christians to pray for us, we ask the saints in Heaven. Their intercession always flows through and depends on Christ's (CCC 956).