My question was even simpler -- can we pray for the intercession of those who we have good reason to believe are saintly, -- not merely forgiven and perhaps are still suffering, but who, we personally believe, are in heaven?
For example, many pray for the intercession of the late Holy Father even though he has not been canonized.
If we can ask for the prayers of someone in Purgatory, then why couldn't we ask for the prayers of anyone whom we "know" is not in Hell? According to the Church, two miracles must be the result of the intercessions of a particular person who has died physically. Thus, SOMEONE is praying to John Paul II or Mother Theresa or someone who has been Beatified - or they would never be seen as saints officially by the Church. I don't see anything wrong with praying for the intercessions of a person who lived a good Christian life but is not officially recognized by the Church. This is especially the case of people who were close to us. If they loved us in this life, they CERTAINLY will deeply desire for us to join them in heaven.
Regards