User:Luisa Moura/research/work/Luisa Moura, patron saints, 2014
(in process) [Steve asks: are patron saints a communication system- if so what do they mediate? What service do they provide? What do people get out of prayer?]
SHORTCUT TO PRAYER
Patron Saints are specific links to God’s Grace. They play the role of tailored channels for people’s needs. Each one is known for their capacity to address particular problems, longings and fears. Besides their miraculous relationship with a certain field of action, they are also related to one specific country or profession, grounding believers in their enactment of faith. This hierarchy of communication is fundamental to render catholic religion as a workable tool in everyday life. Generic prayer, to a Single Divine Ear, seems to be inconceivable to address human ordinary needs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_saint
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_symbolism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_saints_of_ailments,_illness,_and_dangers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_saints_of_places
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_saints_of_occupations_and_activities