YOUCAT Question n. 146 - Part IV. What does the “communion of saints” mean?
(Youcat
answer - repeated) The “communion of saints” is made up of all men who have
placed their hope in Christ and belong to him through Baptism, whether they
have already died or are still alive. Because in Christ we are one Body; we
live in a communion that encompasses heaven and earth.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 960)
The Church is a "communion of saints": this expression refers first
to the "holy things" (sancta),
above all the Eucharist, by which "the unity of believers, who form one
body in Christ, is both represented and brought about" (LG 3). (CCC 961)
The term "communion of saints" refers also to the communion of
"holy persons" (sancti) in
Christ who "died for all," so that what each one does or suffers in
and for Christ bears fruit for all.
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment)
The Church is larger
and more alive than we think. Among her members are the living and the deceased
(whether they are still undergoing a process of purification or are already in
the glory of God), individuals known and unknown, great saints and inconspicuous
persons. We can help one another even beyond the grave. We can call on our
patrons and favorite saints, but also our departed relatives and friends whom
we believe are already with God. Conversely, by our intercessory prayer, we can
come to the aid of our dear departed who are still undergoing purification.
Whatever theindividual does or suffers in and for Christ benefits all.
Conversely, this unfortunately means also that every sin harms the communion.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 962)
"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; and we believe that in this communion, the
merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers"
(Paul VI, CPG § 30).
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