Communion of Saints - Faith Exposed with Cardinal Tagle

Summary

This script explores the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints, emphasizing the spiritual connection between the living and the deceased. It highlights the three states of the Church—militant (the living), triumphant (the saints in heaven), and penitent (souls in purgatory)—and their interdependence through prayer. The faithful seek the intercession of saints and offer prayers for the deceased, fostering unity and mutual support. The script encourages participation in mass for the departed and devotion to saints like St. Lorenzo Ruiz, St. Teresa of Lisieux, and St. Francis of Assisi, reminding believers of their role in this eternal communion.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Communion of Saints is a Catholic teaching about the unity of all believers, both living and deceased, as part of the same Church.
• 😀 It emphasizes the connection between the living, those in heaven, and the souls in purgatory through prayer and good works.
• 😀 The doctrine is based on the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians and is affirmed by St. John's vision in the Book of Revelation.
• 😀 The Communion of Saints includes three states of the Church: the Church Militant (the living), the Church Triumphant (the saints in Heaven), and the Church Penitent (souls in purgatory).
• 😀 The Church Militant is made up of those still on Earth, striving to follow Christ and combat evil.
• 😀 The Church Triumphant is composed of the saints who have passed and are now enjoying the glory of Heaven.
• 😀 The Church Penitent refers to souls in purgatory, in the process of purification before entering Heaven.
• 😀 Catholics seek the intercession of the saints in Heaven, asking them to pray for and inspire us to follow Christ faithfully.
• 😀 Catholics also pray for the souls in purgatory, so they may be purified and join the saints in eternal bliss.
• 😀 The practice of asking for intercession from saints does not equate to worship; it is a request for prayer, not adoration, as the saints are not equal to God.
• 😀 The speaker encourages the congregation to offer Mass for the dearly departed and to pray that saints, such as St. Lorenzo Ruiz, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Francis of Assisi, may include them in their prayers.

Q & A

What is the Communion of Saints?

The Communion of Saints is a Catholic teaching that emphasizes the spiritual union of all Christians, both living and dead. It highlights how believers share the same faith, sacraments, and spiritual gifts, living in charity and unity as one Church.

What are the three states of the Church mentioned in the script?

The three states of the Church are: the Church Militant (the living, who are still on Earth), the Church Triumphant (the saints who are in Heaven), and the Church Penitent (those in Purgatory, in a state of purification before entering Heaven).

How are the three states of the Church related to each other?

These three states are connected through prayer. The living ask for the intercession of the saints in Heaven and pray for the souls in Purgatory, while the saints and the souls in Purgatory also pray for the living.

What is the role of the saints in the Communion of Saints?

The saints in Heaven intercede for the living by praying with them and for them, inspiring them to live faithful lives. The saints' intercession strengthens the spiritual bond between the living and the dead.

What is the significance of praying for the dead?

Praying for the dead, particularly for souls in Purgatory, helps them undergo purification before entering Heaven. It is an act of charity, showing our love and desire for their eternal happiness.

Do Catholics worship the saints?

No, Catholics do not worship the saints. They respect and honor them for their holy lives and ask for their intercession, but worship is reserved for God alone.

What role does the Eucharist play in the Communion of Saints?

The Eucharist is a shared sacrament among all members of the Church, living and dead. It unites the faithful, as it is a celebration of the body and blood of Christ, connecting all Christians as one body.

Why is it important to celebrate the Feast of Saints like Lorenzo Ruiz, Teresa of Lisieux, and Francis of Assisi?

Celebrating these saints helps us reflect on their exemplary lives of faith and their contributions to the Church. It is also an opportunity to ask for their intercession and to renew our commitment to follow Christ's example.

What biblical references support the doctrine of the Communion of Saints?

The doctrine is supported by passages such as 1 Corinthians 12, which speaks of the body of Christ being made up of many members, and the vision of St. John in the Book of Revelation, where the prayers of the saints are offered to God.

How does the Communion of Saints affect the daily lives of Catholics?

The Communion of Saints encourages Catholics to live in unity, support one another through prayer, and to remain connected to the Church's spiritual family. It also strengthens the belief in the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of praying for others.