“Through the communion of Saints, the body of the Church is so united that all its members participate in the good of each: hence all Christians share in all the prayers and good works that are done in Holy Church. This communion takes place down on earth, but it extends to the other life. As we participate here in each other’s prayers, these same prayers and good works benefit the souls in Purgatory who can be helped by them. Furthermore, they and we share in the prayers of the Blessed who are in Paradise, and this is what this communion of Saints consists of.”
Sermon of Saint Francis de Sales
(1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church, Bishop of Geneva
Founder of the Order of the Visitation