Sacramentals

"What are sacramentals?"

3 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Sacramentals are sacred signs that dispose us to receive grace and sanctify different circumstances of life. They include blessings, holy water, medals, and scapulars.

Quick Overview

Sacramentals are like spiritual 'training wheels.' Holy water reminds you of your baptism. A crucifix keeps Christ's sacrifice before your eyes. A blessed medal recalls a saint's protection. They don't work magically—they work by reminding you and preparing your heart for grace.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Mark 6:13

"They anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."

Why This Matters

The apostles used blessed oil for healing—a physical element with spiritual effect.

Numbers 21:8-9

"Make a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck shall look on it, shall live."

Why This Matters

God used a physical object as a sign of salvation. Looking at the bronze serpent brought healing.

James 5:14

"Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil."

Why This Matters

Oil is used in prayer for healing. Material things can be set apart for sacred use.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Sacramentals don't confer grace the way sacraments do, but they prepare us to receive grace and sanctify various circumstances of life. They work through the Church's prayer and the faith of the user (CCC 1667-1679).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Cyril of Jerusalem

c. 350 AD

"The water is not simple water; it is made holy by the invocation of the Holy Spirit, and thereby becomes capable of sanctifying our souls and bodies."

— Catechetical Lectures, 3:3

Apostolic Constitutions

c. 375 AD

"Let the bishop bless the oil or water. If there is no bishop, let the presbyter bless it."

— Apostolic Constitutions, 8:29

Relics

Celibacy

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