What is the meaning of “communion of the saints”?
This expression indicates first of all the common sharing of all the members of the Church in holy things (sancta): the faith, the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the charisms, and the other spiritual gifts. At the root of this communion is love which “does not seek its own interests” (1 Corinthians 13:5) but leads the faithful to “hold everything in common” (Acts 4:32), even to put one’s own material goods at the service of the most poor.
This expression also refers to the communion between holy persons (sancti); that is, between those who by grace are united to the dead and risen Christ. Some are pilgrims on the earth; others, having passed from this life, are undergoing purification and are helped also by our prayers. Others already enjoy the glory of God and intercede for us. All of these together form in Christ one family, the Church, to the praise and glory of the Trinity.
Saints
As the Church is "the holy People of God", all his members are called holy (Acts 9, 13; 1 Corinthians 6, 1; 16, 1).
The Church is holy insofar as the Most Holy God is her author. Christ has given himself for her to sanctify her and make her a source of sanctification. The Holy Spirit gives her life with charity. In the Church one finds the fullness of the means of salvation. Holiness is the vocation of each of her members and the purpose of all her activities. The Church counts among her members the Virgin Mary and numerous Saints who are her models and intercessors. The holiness of the Church is the fountain of sanctification for her children who here on earth recognize themselves as sinners ever in need of conversion and purification.
Furthermore, among those who died, the Church declares solemnly that some are models to be followed. Without having been perfected, because only God is perfect, nor necessarily martyrs or outstanding beings, they tried to live the Gospel in a authentic way and have loved very much.
Many first names make reference to these saints: Peter, Paul, John, Stephen, Mary, Elisabeth, Martha, Anna and thousands of the others.
The fish was the first Christian symbol of their profession of faith in Christ. The Greek word ikthus, which means fish, provides initial words Jesous Khristos Theou Uios Soter: Jesus Christ Son of God Savior.
