- If We’re Supposed to Bury the Dead, Why Do We Venerate the Bones of Saints?
- What Does the Church Think About Self-Care?
- What Does It Mean to Have a Devotion to a Saint? How Do Devotions Work?
- Mass Fasting: Is It an Hour Before Mass or an Hour Before Receiving Communion?
- Why Do We Have So Many Saints?
Why do Catholics venerate the bones of saints? What does the Church think about self-care? Is the Eucharistic fast an hour before Mass or Communion? In this post, we answer five common questions about the Catholic faith and more, diving into the heart of Catholic practices and traditions.
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1. If We’re Supposed to Bury the Dead, Why Do We Venerate the Bones of Saints?
The Church teaches respect for the human body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and affirms belief in the resurrection of the body. So how does this align with the practice of venerating relics, like the bones of saints? The veneration of relics honors the holiness of those who lived closely united with Christ. Their physical remains are treated as sacred, reminding us of God’s transformative grace in their lives. This tradition dates back to the early Church, where Christians gathered at the tombs of martyrs to celebrate Mass and revere their remains as a connection to Christ.
It’s important to clarify that the resurrection of the body doesn’t depend on whether someone’s bones remain intact. At the end of time, God will glorify and restore all bodies in perfect form, reuniting them with their souls. The practice of venerating relics recognizes that even the physical bodies of saints can inspire devotion and point us toward Christ. Far from contradicting the resurrection, relics highlight the sanctity of the body as an instrument of God’s grace, encouraging us to grow in holiness as we await the eternal glory to come.
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2. What Does the Church Think About Self-Care?
The Catholic Church supports self-care when it’s grounded in virtue and balance. After all, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and taking care of them is a way of honoring God. Self-care becomes problematic only when it leads to selfishness or neglect of our spiritual life and responsibilities.
Spiritual self-care includes practices like prayer, regular participation in the sacraments, and rest, alongside physical self-care, like taking care of our health and mental well-being. In short, the Church encourages a holistic view of self-care—one that nourishes body, mind, and soul.
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3. What Does It Mean to Have a Devotion to a Saint? How Do Devotions Work?
Having a devotion to a saint means forming a special spiritual relationship with that saint, often because their life or patronage resonates deeply with you. For example, someone struggling with illness might have a devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who suffered greatly but remained faithful to God. Devotions are deeply personal and help us connect with the Church’s rich history of holiness.
One key aspect of devotion is asking the saint for intercession. Intercession means that we ask the saint to pray for us, just as we might ask a trusted friend or family member to pray on our behalf. Saints are uniquely positioned to intercede because they are already in the presence of God in Heaven, fully united with Him. This closeness allows their prayers to be powerful and effective, as Scripture reminds us: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Intercession doesn’t replace our direct relationship with Jesus—it enhances it. By asking a saint to pray for us, we acknowledge the communion of saints, which is the spiritual bond uniting believers on earth, in Heaven, and in Purgatory. Saints are role models and spiritual companions who cheer us on, encourage us, and ultimately point us toward Christ. Devotion to them deepens our faith and reminds us that we are part of a vast, loving family in the Body of Christ.
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4. Mass Fasting: Is It an Hour Before Mass or an Hour Before Receiving Communion?
The Eucharistic fast requires Catholics to refrain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for one hour before receiving Communion, not the start of Mass. This practice is rooted in reverence for the Eucharist, helping us approach the sacrament with intentionality and spiritual preparation. By fasting, we make a small physical sacrifice to remind ourselves of the sacredness of receiving Christ’s Body and Blood.
The current one-hour fast is a more manageable practice than earlier Church requirements, which often involved fasting from midnight or for several hours prior to Mass. While the current rule is less demanding, the purpose remains the same: to prepare our hearts with humility and focus.
For practical purposes, if you’re uncertain about the timing of when Communion will take place, a good rule of thumb is to start fasting an hour before Mass begins. This ensures you meet the requirement and allows for any unforeseen delays during the liturgy.
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5. Why Do We Have So Many Saints?
The abundance of saints reflects the beauty and diversity of the Church. Saints come from all walks of life, from peasants to kings, teachers to soldiers, single people to parents. Each saint shows us that holiness isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s attainable for everyone, no matter their background or vocation.
The Church formally recognizes saints through canonization to provide us with models of virtue and intercessors in Heaven. Their stories inspire us to live boldly for Christ and remind us that God’s grace is available to everyone.
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Have More Questions? Keep Asking!
Faith is a journey, and asking questions is a sign of an engaged and curious heart. If you have more common questions about the Catholic faith, don’t be afraid to reach out. Whether it’s to a priest, a trusted friend, or through resources like this blog, seeking answers will only deepen your relationship with God.
Got another question on your mind? Share it with us—we’d love to explore it with you! Feel free to reach out on social media or via our contact form here.
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