Catholics worship the one and only God, who exists as the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This is one God in three divine persons
. Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, is fully divine and fully human, and Catholics worship Him as Lord and Savior, recognizing His role in salvation through His death and resurrection
. Catholics also worship the Eucharist during Communion because they believe it is truly the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ
. While Catholics honor and venerate Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the saints, they do not worship them. Veneration is a form of honor and respect due to their closeness to God, but worship is reserved for God alone
. Mary holds a special place as the Mother of God and intercessor, but Catholics ask her and the saints to pray to God on their behalf rather than worship them
. In summary:
- Catholics worship God alone, who is Trinity: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ is worshiped as God incarnate, Savior, and Lord.
- The Eucharist is worshiped as the true presence of Christ.
- Mary and the saints are venerated, not worshiped, as intercessors and holy examples.
This distinction between worship (latria) given only to God and veneration (dulia) given to saints is central to Catholic belief
