What is the communion of saints?

The communion of saints is the spiritual union of all the faithful—those on earth (the Church Militant), the souls being purified in purgatory (the Church Suffering), and the blessed in heaven (the Church Triumphant)—joined together in Christ, sharing in one another's prayers, merits, and love (CCC 946-948).

The communion of saints, professed in the Apostles' Creed, describes the deep spiritual solidarity that unites all who belong to Christ. It has two closely related meanings: the communion of holy persons in Christ, and the communion of holy things, especially the Eucharist, which builds and sustains that unity (CCC 948-953).

This communion spans the whole Church across time and space: those still on pilgrimage on earth, those being purified before entering the fullness of glory, and those already beholding God face to face in heaven. All three states remain joined in one Body, interceding for one another and sharing in a common life of grace (CCC 954-959).

Scriptural Foundations

St. Paul teaches that believers are 'members one of another' (Romans 12:5) and that when one member suffers or rejoices, all share in it (1 Corinthians 12:26). This organic unity in the Body of Christ is the biblical root of the doctrine.

The Letter to the Hebrews speaks of being surrounded by 'so great a cloud of witnesses' (Hebrews 12:1), the saints in glory who accompany the pilgrim Church. Revelation 5:8 depicts the elders in heaven offering the prayers of the saints before God, showing the heavenly assembly's ongoing intercession for those on earth.

The Three States of the Church

The Church Militant refers to the faithful still striving on earth toward holiness. The Church Suffering (or Church Penitent) refers to souls in purgatory, being cleansed of the remaining effects of sin before entering heaven. The Church Triumphant refers to the saints already glorified in heaven (CCC 954, 1030-1032).

Because these three are one Church in Christ, the faithful on earth can pray for the souls in purgatory, offering Masses, prayers, and almsgiving on their behalf, while asking the saints in heaven to intercede for us. This exchange of spiritual goods is a genuine sharing of charity that transcends death (CCC 956, 958, 1032).

A Communion of Holy Things

The communion of saints is nourished above all through the Eucharist, which St. Paul calls the sharing 'in the body of Christ' that makes many members one bread, one body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Through the sacraments, shared faith, charity, and the treasury of merit won by Christ and the saints, the whole Church draws on a common spiritual patrimony (CCC 949-953, 1474-1477).