Why do catholics pray to saints Jun 28, 2021 · Why would we seek the help of saints when we can go straight to Jesus? There are two ways for Catholics to answer this question. Nov 30, 2024 · Catholics make a distinction between worship and prayer. Oct 21, 2024 · Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints? As Catholics, we believe in the Communion of Saints—a deep connection between the faithful on earth and those who have gone before us to be with God in heaven. However, not all Christians feel the same way. Learn about the communion of saints, their role as intercessors, and how asking for their prayers strengthens our faith and draws us closer to God. Why not ask our friends in the presence of God in heaven, part of our family as the Body of Christ? Nov 1, 2000 · 5. Key Takeaways: Praying to saints is a form Subscribe to our Youtube Channel →Join Email List Discover why Catholics pray to saints and how this practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition. Protestants hold the position that it is unbiblical, to ask the saints in heaven to pray or intercede for us. You can ask for the intercession of the saints while praying each mystery, offering their virtues as a model for your life. It comes from a Latin word precari, which is to plead, beg or to ask. The Catholic Church believes that saints (those who have been canonized by the Church) hear prayers and are able to act as intercessors, presenting prayers to God. ” The Bible Says So The New Testament presents to us very plain examples of the faithful on earth initiating communication with the saints in heaven. How do I defend our teaching of asking the saints to intercede for us? How do I respond when I am asked, “Why don’t you just pray to God directly?” – Anonymous in the diocese To answer that question properly, we must first clarify what we are exactly doing when we ask for the intercession of Mary or a particular saint. Catholics pray to the saints, to ask them to intercede or pray for us, on our behalf, to Almighty God. Oct 27, 2023 · The practice of praying to saints is a hallmark of Catholic devotion, often misunderstood by non-Catholics and even some within the Church. Learn the theology, history and practice of saintly devotion in this article. Let’s take a look at why Catholics pray to – but do not worship – the saints. While Protestants believe that the dead in Christ are separated from the affairs of the Nov 5, 2020 · For us Catholics, praying to saints and angels can seem like the most natural thing in the world. ) “That means you do worship the saints,” he says. Then I’ll provide scriptural responses. The Church teaches that God alone is worthy of worship… Mar 10, 2025 · Monday, March 10, 2025 Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints? A Theological Breakdown Introduction For many outside the Catholic Church, the practice of praying to saints can seem confusing—some even mistakenly believe that Catholics worship the saints. But yes, we do pray to them—and there’s a beautiful, very Catholic reason why. ” A “lesser saint” is not a derogatory term. How can the saints hear our prayers? Along with the concern about the “worshiping of saints” by praying to them, the question of their ability to hear us is among the most frequent of Protestant concerns. Or, to look at the question from another perspective: If God is all-knowing and all-powerful, why not pray directly to God and avoid the intermediaries? How does the Catholic Church respond to these criticisms?” In his latest column, Monsignor Discover why Catholics pray to saints, exploring the role of saints in the Catholic faith and the biblical foundations for their intercessory power. Nov 3, 2019 · Explore the reasons and significance of praying to saints and angels in Catholicism, and how it complements direct communication with Jesus. Mark-Mary answer the age-old, controversial question, “Why do Catholics Pray to the Saints?” The wor Jan 6, 2025 · As the online world of Roman Catholic apologetics continues to grow , so do attempts to soften Protestant criticisms of what are cons idered some of their most anti-Biblical and strange practices. People questioning the idea of praying to a saint perceive that those who a Nov 13, 2024 · The Catholic customs of praying for the souls of the dead, praying to the saints who have gone before us in earthly life, and of venerating relics are based primarily in the church's long-standing tradition and theology rather than explicit scriptural "prooftexts. But the Bible directs us to invoke those in heaven and ask them to pray with us. Let’s break down what this practice really means, where it comes from, and why it continues to be a key part of Catholic Aug 2, 2021 · A reader asks: “Protestants often criticize Catholics for praying to Mary and the saints. Indeed, St. One such practice is praying to Mary and the "saints. Catholics don’t pray to images; they pray through them to the holy persons who are depicted. They say this is a violation of the First Commandment. Pray the Rosary with the Saints: The Rosary is a wonderful prayer that allows us to meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life alongside the Virgin Mary. This distinction is critical to understanding the practice. Aug 26, 2024 · Why do Catholics pray to saints? We look at the reasons why Catholics pray to saints with evidence from scripture. Should members of the Body of Christ pray for each other? Our non-Catholic friends may ask, “ Shouldn’t we bring our petitions to Jesus first? ” Absolutely! This is our duty as Christians. Scripture explicitly forbids conjuring the dead in many passages: May 26, 2025 · Ever gotten the question, "Do Catholics pray to saints?" A lot of us Catholics have, and if you don't know how to reply, here's the answer! Catholics understand saintly intercession as a way to connect with those who have lived virtuous lives and now dwell with God. " While many Christians assume "pray" means "to ask a divine being for a favor We have learned why Catholics pray to Mary and the saints. " However, the Bible does indeed allude to these practices. Catholics do pray to saints, on All Saints' Day and throughout the year. It took me some time to understand and experience first-hand the gr Have you ever wondered why Catholics pray to saints instead of just praying directly to God? Are Catholics “worshiping” saints—or is there something deeper a Brief Overview Catholic devotion to saints involves honoring holy men and women recognized for their exemplary lives and closeness to God. Saints as Intercessors From catholic. Nov 12, 2024 · Question: Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints? Answer: One of the statements of faith we make when we pray the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed is that we believe in “the communion of saints. Oct 26, 2016 · Many people who are not Catholic wonder why we look for help from the saints. We do not worship them, but we ask for their prayers, just as we ask friends and family to pray for us. Here it’s important to note that according to Scripture, death does not separate Christians in a definitive sense. To bow down to a statue or painting and pray to it is evil and it is forbidden in Scripture. This is a fundamental belief in Catholic theology that recognizes the interconnectedness of all members of the Church, whether they are living on Earth, in purgatory, or in heaven. Feb 12, 2025 · Discover the power of Catholic prayers to saints for healing, protection, and guidance. com Can They Hear Us? One charge Discover who do Catholics pray to, the role of God, saints, and Mary in their prayers, and the significance of intercession. , we ask the saints to pray on our behalf, just as we do here on earth, when we ask people, friends and even strangers, to pray for our intentions. In this light, there’s no competition when we ask someone to pray for us, including petitioning Mary and the saints in heaven, because they are collaborators with God, not competitors. Explore the common arguments and the Catholic beliefs. Sacred images help the faithful focus their minds and hearts when asking for a particular saint’s Mar 30, 2024 · Catholics are often criticized for asking the saints in heaven for help. The Catholic Church appeals to James 5:16 to support this view: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. . This is precisely what we mean as Catholics when we say we “pray to the saints. When we pray to saints, we’re simply asking them to pray for us. Jun 17, 2015 · Not having been raised Catholic, I can relate to the question that is often asked, “Why do Catholics pray to Mary?” A good way to respond to someone asking that question is to first explain the Catholic understanding of the Communion of Saints. Lofton discusses the reasons Catholics ask for the saints’ intercession and why this does not mean that God is incapable. Nov 28, 2023 · Welcome to our insightful exploration of why Catholics pray to saints. Sep 6, 2023 · Michael Lofton from Reason & Theology is asked why Catholics pray to saints, since there does not seem to be support of this practice in the Bible. We do it all the time both in the Church’s official liturgies and in our personal prayers, so it is part of the fabric of our daily spiritual lives. Nov 3, 2023 · Sometimes, for Catholics, that worship comes within a family dynamic, i. Canonization, the Nov 2, 2021 · Why do Catholics pray to the dead? Or do they? Is the common claim true that states “Catholics practice necromancy”? Nope. (He wouldn’t think of praying to his dead Aunt Mildred. Its important to remember that the Saints are not dead (Mark 12:26-27) but live in the presence of God Aug 16, 2025 · Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints if They're Dead? (The Patrick Madrid Show - 7/15/25) - Relevant RadioMary & the Saints Aren’t Dead-Dead Patrick pulls out Mark 12:27 where Jesus says: “He is not the God of the dead but of the living. So, my separated friends, before you innocently (or not-so-innocently) repeat the same constant falsehood that Catholics don't pray directly to God, or that they worship Mary and the saints, think before you speak. She was assumed body and soul into heaven Nov 1, 2019 · Since it is All Saints Day, Brother Ignatius Pio and Fr. Thus in Psalm 103, we pray, "Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will Jun 4, 2024 · Exploring the Catholic perspective on saints and prayer, emphasizing their intercession and role in Christian faith and devotion, especially focusing on Mary's maternal intercessory role. Children will discover that saints ar The saints are not just heroic people who live in history books. ” These six reasons can help strengthen our devotions to the saints and pray to them better. Prayer cards. This ancient tradition is deeply ingrained in Catholicism and is based on the belief in the Communion of Saints and the power of intercessory prayer. Another is to worship or adore. But prayer to anyone other than God alone is anti-biblical. " May 9, 2024 · Asking Mary and the Saints to pray for us might seem (at best) inefficient or (at worst) like it undermines the sovereignty of God. Why should we pray to saints? This is a great question and can really lead us to some good ideas, so let’s get right to it! Sep 1, 2020 · Again, to pray to Mary or any of the angels or saints is simply to ask them to pray for us as we might ask someone on earth to pray for us. Using key scriptures like James 5:16 and Revelation 8:3-4, this lesson explains… Why Do Catholics Use Rote Prayers? Rote prayers are pre-written prayers (like the Hail Mary or Our Father) that are repeated in a consistent and structured manner. But why do Catholics pray to saints? You can find out here. When confronted some Catholics say we don't pray to them, Oct 18, 2022 · As to why Catholics “pray to” the saints, more precisely, we petition to the saints to pray for us before God, or to pray with us to obtain favors from God. I often hear people say that they pray to specific saints for specific needs and that this is effective. Here are some key reasons why Catholics pray to saints. This type of prayer is not considered worship, so it doesn’t go against the core commandments of the faith as some suggest. It is what we call prayer of intercession, i. One of the things that is often misunderstood in Catholic theology is the idea that Catholics pray to and worship saints. Why would we do that? So do Catholics pray to saints, and is this seen as the same as worship? It’s a common practice in the Catholic faith to offer prayers to saints. The historic practice of asking saints in heaven for their intercession is questioned by many. Father Mike Schmitz wants to address some confusion regarding Catholics’ veneration of saints. The word pray has more than one meaning. When we pray to God, we can do both. Catholics are frequently criticized for “praying to the dead” by some Mar 3, 2017 · The real problem is that Catholics pray to saints. We ask our friends here on earth to pray for us. This spiritual practice is deeply rooted in history, theology, and the collective experience of the faithful. It’s like asking a friend or Priest to pray for us. churchfathers. caChurch fathers on the communion of saints: https://www. They’re real people who lived real lives of virtue and now live in Heaven, in the presence of God. Dec 27, 2018 · Catholics pray to saints because they believe in the Communion of Saints, which means that the living and the dead are united in Christ. It connects believers to God through saints. Although it may seem to many Protestants that Catholics are worshipping the saints or elevating them to a level with Christ, the official Catholic doctrine says praying to the saints is not worshipping them; rather, it is about intercession. A Catholic Answers Tract Fundamentalists challenge the Catholic practice of asking saints and angels to pray for us. ” Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Mary—they’re alive in God. Welcome to Catechism for Kids! 🌟In this joyful episode, we learn who the saints are and why we ask them to pray for us. They are ordinary Christians who tried to love God with their whole hearts. The invocation of the saints is the practice of persons requesting saints to intercede for them; [2][3] the comprecation of saints is the practice in which Christians ask God for a share in the prayers offered by the saints. Catholics and many other Christians venerate the saints as ongoing examples of what a life generously open to Jul 1, 1990 · Catholics make statues of the saints whom they worship, thereby committing the double sin of polytheism and idolatry. Jan 20, 2017 · By Father Kenneth Doyle • Catholic News Service • Posted January 20, 2017 Q. Instead, it is just a note that, in heaven, some of the saints Sep 24, 2025 · Doing so is blatant idolatry. Catholics pray to saints to request their help, not because they see saints as gods. Why Pray to the Saints? It is reasonable enough to honor saints, provided we do not give them honor due to God alone. Mark-Mary answer the age-old, controversial question, “Why do Catholics Pray to the Saints?” Nov 7, 2019 · Catholic Apologetics #41 Why Pray to Saints? A canonized saint is a person who the Church declares to already possess the Beatific Vision (i. Catholics are occasionally charged with “praying to the dead,” which gives rise to dark images of seances Nov 5, 2020 · For us Catholics, praying to saints and angels can seem like the most natural thing in the world. To explain the concept of praying to saints, you can start by introducing the idea of the communion of saints. Nov 12, 2025 · Bible verses about praying to saints Praying to Mary and other dead saints is not biblical and praying to anyone other than God is idolatry. Aug 15, 2025 · Do Catholics worship Mary? This is a common question, especially among young people. Anthony if we had lost something, for instance. As always, from the Catholic side, a disclaimer is in order: We do not need something to be in the Bible in order for us to necessarily have as part of our faith or practice. When Catholics kneel before the statue of a saint, they are not worshipping the person depicted, let alone the stone or plaster image as such. Since it is All Saints Day, Brother Ignatius Pio and Fr. We do not worship the saints; worship is for God alone. Oct 23, 2024 · When talking about the Catholic practice of asking the saints to pray for us, a question arises from both Catholics and Protestants: “Why seek the help of saints when we can go straight to Jesus?” Protestants often pose this question as an objection. This stems in part from the fact that the practice is sometimes referred to as “praying to saints. In this video, he explains how—far from idolatry or paganism — Support the channel by visiting https://brianholdsworth. But here’s an argument Nov 24, 2024 · Fr. ” Praying, they reason, is worship. Nov 13, 2025 · The Catholic idea that the living should ask saints in heaven to pray for them is said to be comparable to Christians on earth praying for one another. 1:11). Fr. Read on to find out the truth. the family of God. ” Fundamentalists often challenge the Catholic practice praying to saints. Why do you pray to Mary and the saints instead of Jesus and why do you confess your sins to a priest rather than Jesus? Here are some Scripture verses that support this Catholic teaching. We do it all the time both in the Church’s official Just like Catholics who go directly to Jesus but also ask Mary and the Saints to pray for us, Protestants themselves ask for the prayers of their pastors, ministers, elders, family, and friends. We do not pray to them as we do to God, but we do ask for their intercession through prayers. Prayer is an act of worship. In honoring the saints on account of their holiness, which was God’s work, we honor God himself, as we honor an artist when we admire one of his masterpieces. May 18, 2022 · Big statues in churches. Indeed, apart from Jesus they (and we praying for each other on earth) could do nothing (John 15:1-5). Learn about their significance in Catholic tradition and how they can strengthen your faith in times of need. So to clear it all up, we’ve put together all our experiences, faith, and everything we know about the teachings of God in […] Mar 8, 2021 · Catholics pray to saints asking them to pray for us for they are already God’s company. Feb 19, 2024 · Throughout his theological career, Saint Thomas Aquinas named six reasons why people should pray to “lesser saints. Dec 1, 2013 · Dear Father Joe: My friends who are not Catholic say we should only pray to God and that praying to saints is idolatry. The tradition of praying to the saints reflects a larger Catholic belief: the communion of the saints. The Historical Roots Early Jan 27, 2025 · Prayer to the saints remains one of the enduring sticking points in Catholic-Protestant dialogues. Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of Catholic beliefs on intercession and uncover the biblical foundations behind this practice. […] Q: When I was growing up in the church, we were taught to go to specific saints for specific requests — St. ” Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Mary: they’re alive in God. Votive candles and icons. Let’s delve into the reasons, the historical evolution, and the theological basis of why Catholics pray to saints. Jul 15, 2025 · Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints If They're Dead? (The Patrick Madrid Show) - Relevant RadioMary & the Saints Aren’t Dead-Dead Patrick pulls out Mark 12:27 where Jesus says: “He is not the God of the dead but of the living. Even though I was born and raised Catholic, I used to feel more comfortable praying only to God, without an intercessor, until I realized the role of the saints in our lives. For Catholics, it’s a question of curiosity. e. Nov 13, 2025 · Why, then, do many Catholics pray to Mary and/or saints such as Gertrude, Rita, Sylvester, Vincent, Agnes, etc. But The historic practice of asking saints in heaven for their intercession is questioned by many. The Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints? lesson plan on reverence vs worship helps youth understand that Catholics honor Mary and the saints but worship God alone. The second objection to praying to the saints is that, even if Catholics do not worship the saints, they are at least calling upon the spirits of the dead. The Communion of Saints is the belief that every living Christian is connected to every other member of the church, whether alive or dead, through Jesus […] Oct 28, 2020 · Why might you find yourself praying to your deceased grandmother rather than to Christ? Because in your story she is another Christ, not an alternative Christ. The Catholic Church came before the Bible, not the other way Feb 17, 2023 · Catholics often pray to saints, as is well-known. However, the Bible does not support this idea. the Protestant approach; Doesn't Revelation say not to bow in worship Oct 22, 2020 · This article describes why praying to the saints is not idolatry but, rather, an act of honor and a request for them to pray for us. Jan 13, 2025 · Discover how we practice catholic saint intercession in our faith, explore the deep connection between saints and believers, and learn to seek their powerful spiritual guidance Why do we Catholics ask the Saints in Heaven to pray for us? Is there any basis for that in the Bible? Let’s take a look. Prayer, to a Catholic is a form of communication like a conversation. Read more to learn about praying to Saints today. 5:44), because Jesus knows that intercessory prayers draw us closer together in him, and can also help foster our enemies’ conversion. ? Why do they petition the dead and request their prayers? Catholics pray to saints as part of the communion of saints, seeking their intercession, guidance and role models. And only God should be worshipped. Oct 13, 2025 · Let’s clear something up right away: Catholics don’t worship saints. Paul says that God grants blessings “in answer to many prayers” (2 Cor. But to this day, there are still much confusion and even some objections as to why we do such a thing. There are two ways to answer. To understand why this is the case, it's important to examine the meaning of the word "pray. Praying to saints is not worship, but a request for their intercession, just as we ask our friends and family for help. Dec 13, 2024 · Prayer to saints is a big part of Catholic tradition. Saints are venerated as intercessors who pray for the faithful, not as objects of worship, which is reserved for God alone. To discern whether this is biblical, let’s look at some reasons the Catholic church offers to support this practice. If you’ve ever wondered, "Why do Catholics pray to saints?" or thought it might be a form of worship, this post is for you. Deacon Frederick Bartels September 14, 2009 One area of misunderstanding between Catholics and our Protestant brethren is the subject of praying to the saints. Praying to Our Advocates in Heaven Protestant friends often ask me, “Why do Catholics pray to saints?” While I try to answer as best I can, I would like a thorough answer from you. Jan 28, 2025 · In the Catholic view, saints—those who have died with faith in Christ—can intercede for us. The practice has roots in early Christianity, evolving through theological reflection and cultural traditions. But we often ask others to pray for us, and we know that God delights in this Jul 7, 2023 · In the Catholic tradition, praying to saints is a common practice. Why do we pray to saints? Since the earliest days of the Church, Catholics have always venerated those holy men and women who have gone before us and are now with our Lord in heaven. One definition means to simply ask. Using Bible verses, we will begin to Why do Catholics pray to Saints?, Canonized Saints, Is calling a saint 'holy' blasphemous? Saints are kind of like university alumni; Isn't there only one mediator between God and man? I don't pray to dead people; Why patron saints for different causes? Can't Jesus grant salvation without the help of saints? The Catholic vs. One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the Catholic faith—especially among non-Catholics—is the practice of praying to saints. The major way Catholics “venerate” Mary and the saints is by praying to them. However, Catholic teaching is clear: worship belongs to God alone. But why do we even go to the saints asking for their intercessions in the first place? Dec 6, 2008 · The Roman Catholic Church says praying to the saints and to Mary is the right thing to do. Explore different types of prayers and popular saints to invoke. It is comforting to know that they struggled like us, since it’s inspiring to know that we can be like them. Catholics Pray to Saints and to God Many Protestants wonder why Catholics pray to saints when it seems obvious that Christians should only pray to God. someone whose soul is in Heaven) and whose life is worthy of imitation on account of the virtues they possessed. ” The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that this communion… Some Christians will ask, “Why pray to Mary when we can go directly to Jesus?” And yet they have no problem asking others here on earth to pray for them, instead of simply and solely praying to Jesus on their own. To begin, we should explain what Aquinas means by a “lesser saint. In the Catholic faith, the saints are not just historical figures or stained-glass icons. It's important to remember that not all Catholic teachings can be found explicitly in the Bible. org/intercession-of-the-saints When praying to the Saints, Catholics should not be asking or expecting them to do any of these things as we should only reserve thanks and praise for God and we should only depend upon God to provide for us and to guide us, but we can look to the Saints for other forms of help and comfort. We can ask them to pray for us. She was assumed body and soul Jesus exhorts us to pray not simply for ourselves, but for others, including praying for our persecutors (Matt. David Michael Moses shares the importance of praying to the Church's holy men and women. Mary isn’t just a memory or some dusty relic in a tomb. The saints are not divine beings but human souls perfected by God’s grace. Looks suspiciously like Catholics could be worshiping the saints. Apr 24, 2017 · Why do Catholics pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to various saints? Is there anything in the Bible to back this up? Can’t this be considered idol worship? Why not pray directly to God? The mother of Jesus Christ and the other saints have no meaning or power independent of God. [4][5] The practice of the invocation of the saints is held by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, the Assyrian Why do Catholics pray to saints? Why do Catholics worship Mary? These questions and others like it stem from confusion about a Catholic doctrine called the Communion of Saints. Mar 17, 2013 · If Jesus initiated communication with the dead, there is no reason to believe followers of Jesus cannot do the same. Whether Mary and/or the saints are prayed to, or whether they are petitioned for their prayers—neither practice is biblical. cksmo lxisy bazmokc knlygzt rmcdm rwzcq nuqwt agztig bel ahywxc owdv jgmzr xiexk wxy uqdgojj