Do Catholics Worship Saints?

Summary

In this video, Father Mike Schmitz addresses common misconceptions about Catholic practices, particularly the veneration of saints. He clarifies that Catholics do not worship statues or saints, but honor them as reminders of God's greatness. Father Mike explains that the Church’s use of images and asking for saints’ prayers are not contrary to biblical teachings. He emphasizes that Jesus is the one mediator, but Christians, including the saints, can intercede in prayer for others. The video concludes by reinforcing that veneration of saints serves to honor God’s work in their lives, ultimately pointing to Christ.

Takeaways

• 😀 Catholics do not worship statues or saints; they are used as reminders of God's goodness and the lives of holy individuals.
• 😀 Statues and images are similar to family pictures or artwork; they hold no inherent power and aren't worshiped, but serve as reminders of God's grace.
• 😀 The practice of venerating saints does not take away from God's honor; it highlights God's transformative work in the lives of these individuals.
• 😀 Catholics honor saints as testaments to God's grace, not as divine figures, much like appreciating an artist’s work without detracting from the artist themselves.
• 😀 Asking for the saints' prayers is similar to asking a fellow Christian to pray for you; it does not undermine Jesus' role as the sole mediator.
• 😀 Saints, being alive with Christ, intercede on behalf of the faithful, as described in the Book of Revelation.
• 😀 Jesus is the only mediator between God and man for salvation, but all Christians, including saints, are co-workers in the mission of spreading God's grace.
• 😀 Early Church fathers, like St. Augustine, distinguished between worship (latria) for God, veneration (dulia) for saints, and special veneration (hyperdulia) for Mary.
• 😀 The veneration of saints is meant to honor God, showing how His grace can work through ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary things.
• 😀 Catholics view the saints as more alive than anyone on Earth, continuing to pray and intercede for the faithful from heaven.

Q & A

Why does Father Mike Schmitz discuss a missionary's initial anti-Catholic views?

Father Mike shares this to highlight common misconceptions about Catholic practices, especially regarding the veneration of saints and images. The missionary's story helps set the stage for clarifying why Catholics honor saints without worshiping them.

What was the missionary's concern about Catholic practices?

The missionary was concerned that Catholics worshipped saints, based on the presence of statues, kneeling before them, and lighting candles, which he perceived as acts of worship.

How does Father Mike explain the role of statues and images in the Catholic faith?

Father Mike explains that statues and images are not objects of worship but serve as reminders of God's greatness, much like family photos or portraits of loved ones. They help Catholics remember the saints' examples and God's work through them.

What does Father Mike say about the use of images in the Bible?

Father Mike points out that God did not prohibit all images. In the Old Testament, God commanded the creation of images like angels on the Ark of the Covenant and the bronze serpent for healing. In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the full revelation of God, and the Church upholds images as reminders of God's goodness.

What is the connection between saints and God's glory, according to Father Mike?

Father Mike explains that saints do not take away from God's glory. Instead, they reflect how God’s grace can transform ordinary people into extraordinary witnesses, pointing others back to Jesus.

How does Father Mike respond to the claim that Catholics talk about saints more than Jesus?

Father Mike acknowledges that if Catholics talk about saints more than Jesus, they should correct that. However, he emphasizes that discussing the lives of saints actually highlights God's power in transforming people, and does not detract from Christ's centrality.

What does Father Mike say about the role of saints as mediators in Catholicism?

Father Mike clarifies that while Jesus is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, Catholics believe that saints in heaven, who are alive with Christ, also intercede on behalf of the faithful, much like how Christians ask one another to pray for them.

Does the Bible prohibit asking saints for prayers?

No, Father Mike argues that the Bible does not prohibit asking saints for prayers. He explains that saints in heaven are alive with Christ and, according to Scripture, they intercede for the faithful, just as living Christians pray for one another.

What is the difference between 'latria,' 'dulia,' and 'hyperdulia' in Catholic tradition?

In Catholic teaching, 'latria' is the worship due to God alone, 'dulia' is the honor given to saints, and 'hyperdulia' is a special, higher level of veneration reserved for Mary, the mother of Jesus. These distinctions ensure that worship is given to God alone, while honoring saints and Mary highlights their role in God's plan.

How does Father Mike explain the role of saints in the Catholic Church?

Father Mike explains that saints are not dead but alive in Christ. They serve as intercessors, pointing believers to Jesus through their lives, actions, and prayers. Denying the existence of this heavenly family would deprive Catholics of the rich communion they have with saints.