I wanted to talk about a concept many Christian denominations believe called "the Communion of saints." It is a basically the belief that we in the physical world are connected to those who passed before us and are now in heaven with Jesus or in Purgatory, for those who believe in that. Purgatory has very little Biblical references. Praying for those who have gone before us was mentioned briefly in the 2nd Book of Maccabees that has been removed from many Protestant Bible texts. Purgatory is believed by many to be a place of purification when you are not quite pure enough for heaven yet but not impure enough for hell. It's a middle place. Many Christian denominations, primarily Catholic ones believe in praying and doing small sacrifices (good deeds/fasting) in reparation for the souls in purgatory. The Communion of Saints is our link with those who have gone beyond. Many Christian denominations believe in praying with the saints and working with them to continue their good works here on earth. There are what are called Patron Saints for practically everything you can think of. Some examples are call upon Saint Jude for "Hopeless Causes", Saint Anthony for "Finding Lost Items" Saint Agatha is the patron Saint of "Nurses, bakers, and bell making" Saint Brigid is the patron saint of "scholars, dairy workers, medicine workers/healers"....Many times there is some confusion as to the difference between praying to and praying with/calling upon saints to help. Because the bond of the communion of saints is so strong with people of faith, we are able to ask a Saint to help us or to pray for us just as we would ask a friend to. It is very different from idol worship. Many of us work with the saints in our spell work asking them to guide us and help us accomplish our goals. I often work with my "saintly pal" Saint Vincent de Paul whose charism (belief that motivated him, life goal) was that of service, especially to the poor.) People who are trying to navigate what their purpose might be or are just starting out with their Christian Wiccan path may want to look into the lives of some of the saints for guidance. They are the holy women and men who lived ordinary lives in an extraordinary way and are now our helpers from beyond through our bond of the communion of the saints. I would love to talk more about this and hear some of your thoughts. Let's keep this conversation going! Blessed Be ~Zinnia
