Can you clarify your answer about Mary and the saints?

[Matthew_Kane]

In a previous post, one of the apologists stated that we can only ask saints for their prayers and that they are not minor gods. I just wanted some clarification because all the time in devotionals and other prayers do I hear us asking saints to be with us and especially Mary to protect us, etc. I always took this as true because of the fact that here on Earth I can receive comfort and protection from loved ones and that it would be in fact greater on the other side of Heaven. Can you please clarify?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The saints protect us by their prayers. Any power that they have comes from God. But then, this is true of those who protect us here on earth as well. Ultimately, He is the source of all good. This does not mean that their love for us doesn’t matter. Certainly, a mother’s love can be greatly comforting—which is true of the saints’love as well. The saints are very, very good people. They are the heroes of humanity. Their love for us is real and makes a difference. But their prayers and love for us originate in God’s love for them. Being in heaven, they are aware of being very close to Him. They can behold Him and us at the same time. They are very good friends to have. Also, what I have said of all the saints applies even more with Our Blessed Mother, because of the very special place she holds with her Son and the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Thanks for writing. I agree; my answer needed clarifying!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.