Mary & the Saints
Intercession of the Saints
Asking the saints in heaven to pray for us is not worship of them but a request for intercession, just as we ask fellow Christians on earth to pray for us.
Catholic teaching
The saints in glory see God face to face and, united to Christ, present our prayers to him and intercede on our behalf; venerating them and asking their prayers in no way diminishes Christ's unique mediation but participates in it. This is analogous to, and greater than, asking any living Christian for prayer.
Biblical foundation
Revelation depicts the twenty-four elders in heaven presenting the prayers of the saints on earth like incense before God's throne. James commends the intercessory prayer of the righteous as 'powerful and effective,' and the saints in heaven are more righteous than any on earth.
Scripture references
Historical evidence
Graffiti at the tomb of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome dating from the third century contain direct requests for the apostles' intercession, showing the practice was widespread among ordinary Christians long before any formal theological controversy arose.
The Church Fathers
“We make mention also of those who have already fallen asleep... believing that it will be a very great benefit to the souls for whom the supplication is put up.”