The prayers of men for each other (whether they have departed or are still striving in the flesh) is a manifestation of the mutual love which exists between humans; a proof of man's belief that those who have departed are still living and that their prayers are accepted by God, and anindication that God venerates His saints.
God permits intercession for the benefit of men and this intercession rears a bridge between the inhabitants of heaven and those on earth,
Heaven is no longer an unknown and frightful place to people but they have come to believe in the work and love of the saints' souls.