-300.webp)
One of the most argued points that others use to lead astray other Roman Catholics from the Church, Whom Jesus Christ Himself is the Founder. They have lines like “praying to Mary is prohibited, we should only pray and worship God” and “praying long and repetitive is nonsense.” I may not be the right person to explain, but these were already tackled by those in authority whom God entrusted to be a channel of wisdom that gives clarity to the issues for sure. Hopefully, these thoughts can still give inspiration.
Different Kinds of Veneration
First point, on “we should only pray and worship God alone.” The Roman Catholic Church teaches us that there are types or levels of veneration or devotional expressions. These types are traditionally known from the Greek language as (i) latria, (ii) hyperdulia, (iii) protodulia, and (iv) dulia.
i.) Latria, is worship given to God alone. This is the highest type of honor, as we only give it to God alone.
ii.) Hyperdulia, is a unique form of veneration specific to the Virgin Mary. We give this type of honor/veneration to Mary for her saying “yes” and obeying God to be the Mother of Christ, a God-bearer. A God who is Holy was carried by a woman and let her be His Mother who guided and took care of Him in His earthly life. It is surely true that everything God touches becomes pure- how much more for the woman He chose to give birth to Him? She must be pure for sure. There’s a lot of preparation for sure, as how Isaiah describes St. John the Baptist as "A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths'" (Matthew 3:3 / Isaiah 40:3). Thus, we can really say that Mary deserves our veneration. God made her pure so that He can be one of us as human beings and bring salvation to humanity. What if Mary said “no”? Remember, God respects our free will. We don’t know what would happen. Anyhow, how can she reject God’s initiative, right? By giving respect and veneration to her, we also worship God too.
iii.) Protodulia, is a type of veneration given to St. Joseph, which means among the saints he is given the first place, next to the Virgin Mary. This type of veneration is given to him for his obedience to God to be the foster father of Christ Jesus, who protected and provided for them in earthly life.
iv.) Dulia, is a type of veneration given to saints, angels, and some other holy figures (including relics and places). There is nothing wrong with respecting the people chosen by God Himself to participate and do His will for the salvation of humanity. In fact, by recognizing them, we also recognize the good and merciful works of God- thus worshiping God with a deeper faith. Remember what God said to Moses: "God said, 'Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground'" (Exodus 3:5). If a place can be holy because of God's presence, how much more can a person or thing become worthy of reverence when God chooses to work through them?
"Why Not Just Pray to God Directly?"
In another sense, some will also ask, “Why not pray to God directly?” The question is: “What is prayer” first? The term “prayer” comes from the Medieval Latin word precariat, which means “petition or prayer.” While “petition” is an act of making or presenting a formal request to an authority with respect to a particular cause. Thus, we can say that prayer is an act of communication by humans with those higher, the sacred or holy. The most Sacred and most Holy is none other than the Source, Who is God Himself. He is the Highest and Supreme. Now, in His great wisdom and goodness, He shared His Holiness with His creation by uniting them with Him. It is easy to understand that we can really pray to God, but when it comes to His saints, especially to Mary, some are doubting if it is okay to pray also to them.
Intercession
In the Letter of Saint James (5:16) it says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” In this passage, it affirms that it is okay and good to ask for the intercession, or to pray and communicate with God’s holy or righteous people. It also affirms the Sacrament of Confession. Now, others may say that “that is only applicable to living people.” Then maybe we can repeat the question again and again: “Are the saints really dead?”
Mary Is Not Dead- She Is with God
Is Mary dead or alive? Do you think God will just abandon His Mother Mary after His sacrificial mission on earth? Are you limiting God’s Infinity? Who is the one closest to Christ among humans? Who knows Him since His birth as one of us human beings? Carrying, giving birth to, and taking care of Christ Jesus is greater than what the prophets of the Old Testament did!
To be a saint is to be holy, and holiness is only possible according to God. The decision is in God’s just and reasonable mercy, compassion, and generosity. To be specific, salvation or becoming holy is under the Holy Will of Christ. As the Father says, “This is my Beloved Son, to Whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35).
Talking to Saints Is Talking with God
When we talk to the saints of God, we are not just talking to them as mere creatures- we are also talking to God with them. They are the people of God whom Saint Paul describes: “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). They are in union with Christ, in union with God. They cannot be on and by themselves alone. They are, because God is with them. Thus, inseparable from God, when we talk to and with the saints of God, God is always there listening with them to our pleas, petitions, or prayers. This is part of God’s Kingship. As He chooses apostles and disciples here on earth to spread the Good News, how much more in heaven? These beings chosen by God inherit His Kingdom. They are given gifts, each of them. They are sharing God’s goodness in this sovereignty.
The Three States of the Church
The Roman Catholic Church teaches us that there are three states of the Church. The first is the “Militant,” referring to the Church on earth that actively battles against sin, temptation, and evil. The second is the “Suffering,” referring to the souls in Purgatory who are undergoing purification before entering Heaven. Lastly, the “Triumphant,” referring to the saints in Heaven who are fully united with God. These states are working for each other.
In every Mass we celebrate, which is the highest form of prayer, these states of the Church are celebrating. This celebration is a joy of the Triumphant, a taste of Heaven for the Militant, and alleviates the Sufferings and frees the souls from Purgatory so that they may join the Triumphant. Praying the Rosary for the holy souls in Purgatory can also alleviate their sufferings and, in some cases, release them.
There are a lot of arguments on this topic, and you may do your own research and thinking. Do it with a heart open to God, and you will surely see how God’s wisdom works. The activities of the states of the Church affirm God’s commandment to love- a kind of love that goes far and reaches even those outside or beyond their own realms.
- Aleteia - Understanding Veneration in Catholicism
- A Catholic Life - St. Joseph: First Among Saints
- Britannica - Prayer
- Simply Catholic - The Church: Triumphant, Militant, and Suffering
- The Rosary Online - Why We Pray the Rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory