Sacramentals
293.
What are
Sacramentals?
Sacramentals are holy things or actions of which the Church makes
use to obtain for us from God, through her intercession, spiritual
and temporal favors.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, even so must the
Son of Man be lifted up, that those who believe in him may not
perish, but may have life everlasting. (John 3:14-15)
294.
How do the
Sacramentals obtain favors from God?
The
Sacramentals obtain favors from God through the prayers of the
Church offered for those who make use of them, and through the
devotion they inspire.
295.
What are the chief benefits obtained by the use of the sacramentals?
The
chief benefits obtained by the use of the Sacramentals are:
-
actual graces;
-
the forgiveness of
venial sins;
-
the remission of
temporal punishment;
-
health of body and
material blessings;
-
protection from evil
spirits.
296.
Which are the
chief kinds of Sacramentals?
The
chief kinds of Sacramentals are:
-
blessings given by
priests and bishops;
-
exorcisms against evil
spirits; third, blessed objects of devotion.
297.
Which are the blessed
objects of devotion most used by Catholics?
The
blessed objects of devotion most used by Catholics are: holy water,
candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, medals, rosaries, scapulars, and
images of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the
hour of incense. (Luke 1:10)
298.
How should we
make use of Sacramentals?
We
should make use of the Sacramentals with faith and devotion, and
never make them objects of superstition.