Replies

I've heard plenty of Catholics say that they pray to a certain Saint on a certain issue because it was his/her "specialty" and that the Saint would pray to greater effect because of it.

Yes, it comes naturally to pray for a saint known for some particular virtue. However, that the prayer of a saint has a greater effect is biblical, see James 5:16. It is the righteousness of a saint that makes us expect greater effect, not his "specialty".

A canonized saint is certain to be in Heaven. However, it is not wrong to ask others to pray for your intention, dead or alive. Obviously if the person such addressed is really in Hell, or simply lacks any virtue, his prayer will have nil effect, but no harm will occur either.

In fact, the only way for one to be canonized a saint is to have people pray for his or her intercession, -- pray, that is, BEFORE he is canonized, on the faith that he has heroic virtue waiting to be recognized.

FK: I've heard plenty of Catholics say that they pray to a certain Saint on a certain issue because it was his/her "specialty" and that the Saint would pray to greater effect because of it.

Yes, it comes naturally to pray for a saint known for some particular virtue. However, that the prayer of a saint has a greater effect is biblical, see James 5:16.

Here is that verse in context:

James 5:13-20 : 13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

I don't see how any argument could be made that this passage includes departed Saints. This writing clearly concerns only instructions to living people on earth. Do Saints confess their sins to one another in Heaven, for example? I don't think you would say that.

It is the righteousness of a saint that makes us expect greater effect, not his "specialty".

Then why are different Saints "designated" to different areas? Why would it come naturally as you say above if the basis is on general righteousness? I mean, if you had a medical issue would you seek the prayers of any doctors you knew ahead of asking other people for their prayers?

A canonized saint is certain to be in Heaven.

Why is a canonized saint certain to be in Heaven? I thought we were prohibited from judging the hearts of others (or knowing God's judgment of others) to this degree of certitude:

1 Cor. 4:3-5 : 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. (emphasis added)

I was sure this was God's territory alone.

However, it is not wrong to ask others to pray for your intention, dead or alive.

I'm sure Petronski would agree. :)

How would that not amount to a human controlled popularity contest? I mean, along with the recognition of miracles and such, it sounds like a departed is elevated to the level of Saint in Heaven based on the decision of humans. Is that correct? Is your use of the word "Saint" simply a human description of a few of the departed, or do they have a special status in Heaven bestowed by God (because of human decision?)? I guess I don't understand if the term "Saint", as Catholics use it, presupposes canonization (such that "canonized Saint" would be a redundancy like "born-again Christian") or if it is possible to be an uncanonized Saint.