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WHY the Saints? "The
saints have been traditionally honored in the Church and their authentic
relics and images held in veneration. For the feasts of the Saints proclaim
the wonderful works of Christ and His Servants, and display to the faithful
fitting examples for their imitation"
~Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy n. 111. "Popular
devotions of the Christian people are warmly commended, provided they accord
with the laws and norms of the Church." ~CS L n. 13.
"The Church has also included in the annual cycle, days
devoted to the memory of the martyrs and other Saints. Raised up to
perfection by the manifold grace of God, and already in possession of
eternal salvation, they sing God's perfect praise in heaven and offer
prayers for us. By celebrating the passage of these Saints from earth to
heaven, the Church proclaims the paschal mystery as achieved in the Saints
who have suffered and have been glorified with Christ. She proposes them to
the faithful as examples, who draw all to the Father through Christ, and
through their merits she pleads for God's mercy."
~CSL
n.104. |