Why Do Catholics Pray to the Saints?

Since it is All Saints Day, Brother Ignatius Pio and Fr. Mark-Mary answer the age-old, controversial question, “Why do Catholics Pray to the Saints?” The word “saint” is all over the Bible, although it is often translated as something different like “holy ones” or “just ones.”

But when we talk about the saints we are usually talking about the canonized saints, those the Church has raised up as examples of holiness. We’re not saying they’re superhuman, but that these people led lives worth looking into and imitating in our attempts to follow Christ.

The saints were deeply involved in the salvation of souls on earth, and continue that same work in heaven. When we honor them, we do not worship the saints. We are saying “Thank you, God, for this person’s life.”

God wants us to participate in his work and the work of the saints. So we work together, doing everything we can to save as many souls as we can. With that end in mind, why wouldn’t we ask for the help of those who lived such holy lives on earth? Death did not separate them from the Church. As St. Paul said:

“If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

As Fr. Mark-Mary and Br. Ignatius Pio say, it just makes sense to pray to the saints.

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[DCavalcade]

I'm not Roman Catholic. I've never understood the basis of asking for the intercession of canonized saints. Now I do and it makes sense. Thank you.

[grossbro]

As someone who grew up catholic but was always a little confused on the practices and teaching this video really helped me grasp the concept of my faith

[andresbenavides]

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, TEACH US TO PRAY, just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘FATHER hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”

"Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything IN MY NAME, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that YOUR JOY MAY BE MADE FULL.

[arrowhead]

I eventually hope to become a nun, and about a month ago I just thought what if I was a saint? This thought turned my life around. I started following Christ more closely, praying more, and overall getting closer to God

[acatholicbeachbunny]

the Lord told me to become catholic about a month ago and confirmed it in many ways. i just moved a thousand miles---He's put me in the promised land. today i found a parish and started RCIA! i'm getting tons of backlash from my protestant friends but i couldn't be more sure of this path. 🥰

[tothemax]

Who here believes that there in only one mediator, Jesus, between the Father and man?

[hardface]

Hail Mary Full of Grace the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen

[Beardman]

Prayers have a collective power when done in unison. God doesn't want us just pray individually. He wants us to pray collectively for each other.

[AM-nisz]

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and intercedes on my behalf when I pray. Jesus is good enough for me.

[allipi]

The Saints are beautiful vessels of God’s love and give us inspiration!

[earlfelise]

Thank you for your evangelization and teaching. God bless you.

[petern]

God bless you two and everyone that makes Ascension presents possible.

[IAmReallyReallyBob]

Didn’t change my mind, but it was the best explanation on venerating saints that I heard.
I still find it weird to ask things to saints and not God directly.
Also, I saw in the comments that “it’s just like asking a friend to pray for you”. But, honestly, I’m not gonna pray to the friend in question by making a shrine with his hair or his lunch leftovers..

[negruvalea]

Where in the Bible does it say you can pray to the saints or men????

The Bible says to pray to God!!

[adamhovey]

I always thought it was kind of weird, that people think that somehow when people die that they stop praying for you, if my grandma and my dad prayed for me when they were alive, why wouldn't they pray for me in heaven? You know, the prayer of a righteous man availeth much, who's more righteous than those in Heaven? Edit: French too. Holy Spirit=Saint Esprit.

[robbwilburn]

Praying to God is enough. Went to Catholic schools growing up! Prayed to this saint for that and another for something else. You can pray to God for everything!!!!

There is not a single verse in all of scripture that says any saint is praying for us in Heaven; so we don’t have to ask them to pray for us “more”.

However, scripture does tell us that the Son and Holy Spirit make intersession for us.

Clearly, anytime spent praying to a saint is a distraction from praying directly to God, who actually commands us to come boldly to HIS THRONE OF GRACE, not Mary’s, not Peter’s, not John’s, not Paul’s.

[sheitapia]

Praying for each other, is not the same as Asking Mary or any other so called saint, to intercede for you Bible very clear . Go directly to God in the name of Jesus . U don’t need nobody else to intercede for you. Read the Bible and show me a scripture that’s says you can pray to a saint to intercede for you, thank you

[ravenchan]

My sentiments about this practice is that people who prayed to saints or virgin mary mother of Jesus is that they over do it, to the extent that their devotion to Saints exceeds to their devotion to Holy trinity. They’re directly asking for healing, prosperity and guidance to saints which invalidate the true purpose of prayers.

[Christian_Girl]

I'm Catholic but do not pray to anyone except my Lord Jesus. I have no problem with others doing that, but I prefer to go directly to God himself. It's more comfortable for me.