Scapulars, and Holy Water, and rosaries, oh my!
Sacramentals
Why Do Catholics Light Candles?
Candles are Practical The word candle comes from the Latin “to burn.” Candles have been used since human beings have been able to start fire. Rudimentary wicks were encased in wax or animal fat and burned for light in the dark hours of the day. Oil candles were also...
The Sacramental World Of Christmas Symbols
On a December afternoon I watched one-year-old grandson Ronan-the-Barbarian crawl around the Christmas tree. He would stop, reach out his arm and dip his fist into the water in the tree stand. And then he would bless himself, tap, tap, tap in his baby way. At his eye...
A List Of Sacramentals To Use
What are Sacramentals? "Holy Mother Church has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church....
Angels, Blessed Salt, And Fratelli Tutti
In this week's episode of Ask a Priest, Fr. Elliott tackles some common misconceptions and questions for Catholic world: Do we become angels when we die? This is a common theme you hear in movies, or maybe from family members. The often well-meaning, "We now have...
What You Should Know About Blessed Salt
Do you know about the Catholic sacramental of blessed salt? A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. (The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church are Baptism, Confirmation, The Eucharist, Confession, Holy Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and...
Sacraments v. Sacramentals: What’s The Difference?
What's a sacramental? Even if you're not sure about the word, you are familiar with Sacramentals, and you probably use them regularly! I tend to file Sacramentals into my mental "Theology-of-the-Body Folder," not because they have anything to do with sexuality, but,...
The Brown Scapular: Fatima Centenary And The Wearable Badge Of Devotion To Our Lady
How are you commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Our Lady's apparitions at Fatima? How about enrolling in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady? By now, there's not much that hasn't been said about Fatima - and you'll hear no complaints from me on that front! Let Our...