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Catholics believe in the communion of saints. One element of this is the belief that not even death (Romans 8:38) can separate us from those who form part of Christ’s mystical body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The saints, i.e., those in heaven, are connected with Christ and therefore also still connected with the Church on earth. We do not worship anyone but God, but we do honor the saints, even as God himself honors them (John 12:26). We look to them as an example. And, we ask them to pray for us, just as we ask Christians on earth to pray for us. Further, we believe that God will raise up the bodies of the saints on the last day (John 5:28-29).
The Church has always venerated the relics (remains) of the saints, ever since the Christians of the first centuries gathered up the remains of their friends who had suffered martyrdom in times of persecution. Even in the Bible, God works spiritual effects through the bodies and possessions of holy people (Luke 8:40-48; 2 Kings 13:21; Acts 19:12).
St. Joseph is privileged to have a large collection (about 300) of relics of the saints displayed for public veneration. Let us call upon their intercession and follow their example as followers of Jesus!
