An Apologetical Explanation of

Sacramentals

What are sacramentals, and what is their scriptural basis?

God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.  (Acts 19:11-12)

Behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind [Jesus] and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well.”  Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.”  And instantly the woman was made well.  (Mt 9:20-22)

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God….”  And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.  (Mk 10:14-16)

Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church to prepare us to receive grace.  They are not Sacraments in themselves but resemble the Sacraments insofar as they increase our holiness and draw their power form the same source, which is the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ.

The Church institutes sacramentals as sacred signs that help dispose us to receive grace, especially from the Sacraments.  They provide means by which ministries of the Church, particular states of life, and situations in Christian life are made holy.  (Cf. CCC 1667-1668)

Whereas the Sacraments are channels of grace by their celebration, sacramentals do not give grace but rather prepare us to cooperate with grace.  All sacramentals receive their power from the same source as the Sacraments: the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ.

Primary among sacraments are blessings.  When we make the Sign of the Cross, when we pray before and after meals, or when we bless objects or persons with Holy Water, we are using sacramentals.  Some blessings consecrate persons to the service of God—as in religious professions or the blessing for certain lay minsters—whereas others dedicate objects, buildings, and other material things to the service of God (cf. CCC 1670, 1672).  While some blessings can only be performed by a bishop, priest, or deacon, there are many blessings that nay of the faithful can give because of his or her status as a member of the common priesthood of the faithful.  In addition to blessings, sacramentals include churches, sacred vessels, statues or icons, rosaries, scapulars, crucifixes, and other sacred and devotional goods.  (Cf. CCC 1668, 1671)

The Catechism addresses this question in paragraph 1677.

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