Living in the Communion of Saints
“I believe in the communion of saints.” We profess this belief whenever we recite the Apostles’ Creed. It’s a part of our faith tradition, but what meaning does it hold for us? Are we a part of the communion of saints? How are we in union with the saints?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) refers to the “communion of saints” as a communion (fellowship, mutual participation, a sharing) “in holy things” and “among holy persons.” (CCC, 948)
It holds that, if we share “in holy things” as part of the Body of Christ, then we are a part of the common good. Our spiritual gifts and the fruits of our labors are a blessing to others as we are blessed by those of others. And, as part of the communion “among holy persons”, we can continue to bless and be blessed by those who have preceded us in faith.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. …
Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, pray for us. …
All you holy men and women, pray for us.
The Litany of Saints is a prayer that expresses our reverence and affection for those we honor as models of our faith. We ask for the help of those who have lived their faith in an exemplary manner. I experience a sense of awe during the recital of all the named saints, but then I eagerly await my favorite part when we ask “all holy men and women” to pray for us. That’s when I feel the closest connection to the communion of saints because we honor and remember the holy men and women who are a part of our ordinary, everyday life. It calls to mind those who have been an inspiration to me, some living, but many who have passed from this life. I remember their charisms and witness to God’s love, and it’s a comfort to feel their presence and ask for their continued assistance.
Our professed faith confirms this connection to those who have passed from this life into the next. “We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one church …” (CCC, 962) As pilgrims on earth, we are part of the communion of saints. We can help others and receive help, pray for those being purified, and share holy things as we build up the Body of Christ. “So it is that the union of the wayfarers with the brethren who sleep in the peace of Christ is in no way interrupted, but on the contrary, according to the constant faith of the Church, this union is reinforced by an exchange of spiritual goods.” (CCC, 955)
A Privileged Communication
The accidents of life separate us from our dearest friends, but let us not despair. God is like a looking glass in which souls see each other. The more we are united to him by love, the nearer, we are to those who belong to him.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Patron Saint of Grief
Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, reflects on the accidents of life and how people rarely die without any unfinished business. The living, then, may be left thinking they no longer have a chance to say goodbye, to forgive or ask for forgiveness, or address unresolved feelings. Rolheiser, though, points to our belief in the communion of saints as a source of consolation and hope. After noting that death often brings its own clarity, he writes:
What we can’t bring to wholeness in this life can, if we are attentive to the communion of saints, be completed afterwards. We still have communication, privileged communication, with our loved ones after death. Among the marvels of that lies in the fact that we still have a chance to fix the things, after death, that we were powerless to mend before death took a loved one away.
Sources:
Catechism of the Catholic Church. Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997.
Rolheiser, Ron. “Privileged Communication within the Communion of Saints.” Ron Rolheiser, n.d., https://ronrolheiser.com/privileged-communication-within-the-communion-of-saints/. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
Reflection Questions
- Who are some of the holy men and women in my life?
- What is my experience of communication or prayer with the communion of saints?
- Do I have “unfinished business” with someone who has passed into the next life?
