We are one body. We are the Body of Jesus Christ. Those in heaven, those in purgatory and those of us on earth work together and support each other just as each organ of a human body benefits the whole body. If something is wrong with one part of the body the rest of the body reacts. If you don’t believe this, ask yourself the following questions the next time you accidentally hit your thumb with a hammer. Why are my eyes tearing? Why has my respiration changed? Why do I feel nauseous? Do I look stupid sucking my thumb?
We pray directly to Jesus but also ask the saints - our friends - for their assistance. Imagine wanting to help someone who did not want your help. Imagine watching your friend become dejected because he couldn't find what he was looking for when all the time you could help him; except he never came to you. We're just one big family :-)
That's a statement that I haven't read before. Could you expound on it a little? It is a concept which is certainly foreign to Protestant theology.