The Council of Trent, which teaches that "... the saints who reign together with Christ offer their prayers to God for men. It is useful ... to invoke them, to appeal to their prayers, for help in obtaining benefits from God, through His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who alone is our Redeemer and Savior."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the intercession of the saints thus: "Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven establish the whole Church more firmly in holiness... They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us. (956)

Faith is following Jesus, as the Saints who preceded us followed him, they help us keep our gaze fixed on Jesus. The Saints continually raised their minds and hearts to the Father. Many people have been converted by reading the lives of the Saints and receive light to guard against sin and grow in holiness.
At the center of our spiritual life is the Covenant with God through the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. The Saints help us live this Covenant with their example and their intercession.