The communion of saints is a teaching of the Catholic faith that we profess in every recitation of the Creed at Mass. Pope St. Paul VI describes the dogma well in his 1968 “Credo of the People of God”: “We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are attaining their purification 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 ever listening to our prayers.” In Latin, the name is “communio sanctorum.” In English, “communion of saints” joins together two of the most beautiful and positive nouns in our language. This short phrase expresses a truth that is supernatural and even mystical – but it evokes a feeling that is as natural and comfortable as family and friendship and camaraderie. It tells us that we belong to a vast fellowship of souls from all the ages of faith.
Elemental beliefs
A shared, holy community:
The term communion of saints refers to all baptized Christians who are considered holy ones through their union with Christ. The communion of saints recognizes a profound connection that is stronger than familial or any other bonds.
Connection across the communities:
Believers are joined not only with those alive today but also with the saints in glory and the souls in purgatory. This fellowship is a lived reality that connects the Church on Earth, those in Purgatory, and the Church Triumphant in heaven.
Spiritual sharing:
The communion is a sharing of spiritual goods. This means that believers can help each other through prayer, particularly praying for those in purgatory, and can be aided by the prayers of those in heaven.
Source of strength and comfort:
This fellowship provides great comfort to those facing death, as it affirms that their relationship with fellow believers continues beyond the grave. It also provides a sense of belonging to a vast, historic community of faith.
Manifestations of the communion
Worship:
The communion of saints is experienced during worship, where believers feel they are communing with all the faithful who came before them and who will come after.
Prayer:
The practice of praying to the saints is an ancient tradition that serves to honour the faith of those who have gone before and to ask for their intercession.
The Church as the Body of Christ:
The communion of saints solidifies the idea that all believers are one body in Christ, united in a profound way that transcends visible and physical limitations.
Holiness:
The concept emphasizes that everyone has the opportunity to live a holy life and become a saint, whether through canonization or through living a faithful life “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us, and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith” (Heb 12:1-2)