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Saints and asking for intercession
The Church in heaven prays with us, not instead of Christ.
Saints are persons in full friendship with God—often formally canonized—whose lives display heroic virtue. Asking their prayer is like asking a friend’s prayer, with Christ remaining the one mediator.
Communion of saints
Baptism unites the faithful on earth, souls being purified, and saints in glory. Death does not sever the bonds of the one body of Christ.
Veneration, not worship
Latria belongs to God alone. Honoring saints (dulia) and Mary (hyperdulia) recognizes God’s work in them and seeks their fellowship in prayer.
Patron saints
Patrons embody virtues or vocations to imitate. They are companions for particular needs, always leading back to Jesus.