Please explain praying to saints.

[Nero]

We are encouraged to pray to the saints for their intercession, however I note many Catholic prayers go beyond this and specifically ask the saint to do something. A common prayer that comes to mind is the Prayer to St Michael the Archangel where it asks him to defend us in the day of battle, to be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil, and to cast him into hell. What is the Catholic church’s official stand on this?

David

 

[Devon_Caffran]

These links should give you the answers that you need. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by this, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly. Recommended Reading:

• The Intercession of the Saints (Fathers)*
• Praying to the Saints
• Saint Worship?