Pope Francis is encouraging the faithful not to be afraid when the trials of life come upon us, but to turn to the communion of saints for help.

The Catholic Herald is reporting on comments the Holy Father made during his weekly general audience on Wednesday to a crowd of an estimated 50,000 pilgrims who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“Who hasn’t experienced insecurities, losses and even doubts in the journey of faith?” the Pope asked. “It’s part of life. It should not shock us because we are human beings, marked by fragility and limits.”

When these difficult times come upon us, “it is necessary to trust in God through prayer and, at the same time, it’s important to find the courage and humility to open yourself to others in order to ask for help,” he said.

Through baptism, “we are a great big family” he said, explaining that this family includes the communion of saints. And these saints aren’t just those who have been canonized, but to all the baptized.

“The communion of saints goes beyond earthly life,” the Pope said. “It extends beyond death and lasts forever” to find its fullest expression when all believers are “reunited in heaven.”

“All the baptized here on earth, the souls in purgatory and the blessed souls in heaven form one big family. This communion between heaven and earth is expressed particularly in prayers of intercession, which are the greatest form of solidarity, and is also the basis of the liturgical celebrations of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls.”

We’re all obligated, by virtue of our baptism, to be a responsible part of the communion of saints, and for supporting other Christians in their faith.

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