Hugh Hewitt has this post about wanting a patron saint for bloggers. In it, he refers to this alphabetical listing of all patron saints. I had no idea there were so many.
I'm not being facetious or sarcastic in any way, but can any of my Catholic readers explain the reason for and practice of the patron saint system? How important a role does it play in the church services or everyday life?
p.s. I also have no idea what to make of this, if anything...
6 comments:
Hi... I'm a cradle Catholic and even was educated at a convent, so you'd think I could list the reasons you are asking for. Maybe being so familiar w/this practice of what I see as a great honor roll of people who tried so hard to live the will of God that they became Holy,I don't have the objectivity. Cradle Catholics also take their faith for granted. Nothing amazes me more than the knowledge and dedication of converts to Catholicism.
Saints pray for us. I guess the Bible says that only Jesus can be the Intessor of God. If that were true, then why do we pray for others? Why would our prayers make any difference in what happens to the health and well-being of any we ask the Lord to watch over? I've gotta research that one. Don't ever let any religious person's security in their own salvation make you doubt your own cause, as far as I'm concerned, only God knows that answer. And the learning process is never finished. Anyway, saints... they are mentors and protectors, brothers and sisters...to me. This doesn't sound like a good answer, kinda weak. One of my favorites is St. Anthony, because he helps guide me to something I've lost. I lose my glasses almost daily, so we have a close relationship. I don't think it's a power trip for him. I think he's "up there" going,"you're getting warmer, warmer, warmer"...and praying for my need for help. And the power of St. Micheal. He kicked the devil's ass out of Heaven, he can surely protect me if I ask for help. These saints are working in the name of God. Any praise and love they receive they point directly to God. They know their grace comes from Him. It's the same with Mary. When we "pray" to Mary, we are asking her to pray for us in the name of God. Well. I could go on, but you're probably more confused than u were before. Also, there's a blog called The Anchoress. She can explain that next one for you. These heavy things take alot of thinking about. Catholicism is old and full of ritual and mystery. I love it so much. It is something one feels in the soul.
Conventttttt. In a convent, w/ real nuns. I'm still nursing my 1st cuppa, sorry.
Thanks for your thoughtful answer, Karen, and thanks for sharing your personal views and not just a textbook definition.
"Why would our prayers make any difference in what happens to the health and well-being of any we ask the Lord to watch over?" - It's certainly not that He doesn't notice the problem. It may be that He is giving us an opportunity to turn to Him rather than relying on our own pathetically tiny resources.
"These saints are working in the name of God. Any praise and love they receive they point directly to God. They know their grace comes from Him. It's the same with Mary." - I agree the saints love and praise God directly, since they all are now in His presence. But I guess the part I don't quite understand is why we need to go through an extra intermediary. If it is God's power, and we have access to Him through Christ since the veil of the Temple was torn, I don't see the necessity.
I just thought of an example (and again, I'm not being sarcastic). In an emergency, is it easier to remember a thousand telephone numbers, or just the number 911? Do you want to remember all the different numbers for fire, police, poison control, the army & navy, a towing service, tech support, the plumber, etc..., or just call on the One who can fix any and all of your problems? When I pray (which is not nearly often enough ), I trust Him to work however He sees fit - directly, or via saints or angels, or by temporarily suspending the laws of physics, or by Him just saying a word (even though it might not be what I want to hear).
Fooey, that sounds more harsh than I intended, and I'm really not trying to condemn the idea. It is fine if God works with and cares for you in that way, or any other way that His perfect love chooses - I cannot judge.
Hey, I don't think that's harsh. I guess I should have paid more attention in Religion class so I could actually explain myself. I do know that God knows all my needs and weaknesses and... I know I can ask Him anything and He will answer me. But, it's still nice to know I've got the National Guard and a tow truck to boot. I think people should realize it's okay to ask for help from our brothers and sisters, here and There. Leaning on someone doesn't make you weaker, it makes you stronger. I have a cousin with "issues". She's alot older than I am and plays around with Indian spiritual stuff(for lack of any word.) She said,"why go to church when you can worship God from anywhere?" I asked her if she would go to a concert and have a better time if she was alone or if there were tons of screaming fans having a whopping time. I think sharing is fine and if I'm lost now knowing I can lean on St. Anthony, man I'd probably be in the next county w/out him. Do you know who usually finds my glasses for me, though? My husband.
I just gotta say, I checked out that alphabetical list,okay, just the A's. Holy catfish. No wonder you think we're yoiks. I had no idea there were so many Saints. When I ask St. A for help again I hope he knows who he is cause there must be a dozen...:)
Did you just say catfish are holy too? Just kidding! :)
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