Are unblessed religious items considered sacramentals?

[Indyann]

In another thread, someone stated she believed that unblessed items are sacramentals. I always thought that the blessing is what makes an item a sacramental. What is the teaching?

 

[ljubim]

newadvent.org/cathen/13292d.htm

This article draws the distinction between sacramentals that are actions (exorcisms, giving alms, etc) and those that are things to be piously used to attain graces (blessed foods, blessed ashes, blessed palms, holy water, etc). From reading this article, I’d say that they have to be blessed.

Here’s the Catechism on it: christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/others.html Looks like the same story.

I know which post you’re talking about… an unblessed Rosary isn’t a sacramental, you’d be just saying a prayer, not saying a prayer with the aid of a sacramental.

 

[Hesychios]

I think we need to be careful here.

The principle point is the prayer itself, not the item. One can say a rosary with one’s fingers, pebbles in one’s pocket or nothing physical at all if one has the mental acuity. It isn’t any less a rosary.

So then, in my frame of reference the action of saying the rosary is a sacramental, a little sacrament. The article, be it a candle, a book, a monstrance or a string of prayer beads is a ‘thing’ until it is used.

(I am not trying to be disrespectful here, I understand the value of blessing things and I also regard the blessing of the item a little sacrament.)

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Perhaps we could say that unblessed articles like rosaries, holy water containers or fonts, or even veils or hats worn specifically for church, can be used for sacramental purposes even if they are not considered specific sacramentals themselves.

 

[suko]

According to the Baltimore Catechism: A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church to excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these movements of the heart to remit venial sin.

 

[PJM]

=Indyann;6764632]In another thread, someone stated she believed that unblessed items are sacramentals. I always thought that the blessing is what makes an item a sacramental. What is the teaching?

I checked myself before replying. The items or actions in and of themselves which direct or lead one to a greater piety or holiness are all sacramentals. Blessing of same increases there merit and value; but in an absolute sense are not required.

From Father Hardon’s Catholic Dicrionary:

SACRAMENTAL
“Objects or actions that the Church uses after the manner of sacraments, in order to achieve through the merits of the faithful certain effects, mainly of a spiritual nature. They differ from sacraments in not having been instituted by Christ to produce their effect in virtue of the ritual performed. Their efficacy depends not on the rite itself, as in the sacraments, but on the influence of prayerful petition; that of the person who uses them and of the Church in approving their practice. The variety of sacramentals spans the whole range of times and places, words and actions, objects and gestures that, on the Church’s authority, draw not only on the personal dispositions of the individuals but on the merits and prayers of the whole Mystical Body of Christ.”

 

[Indyann]

I checked myself before replying. The items or actions in and of themselves which direct or lead one to a greater piety or holiness are all sacramentals. Blessing of same increases there merit and value; but in an absolute sense are not required.

From Father Hardon’s Catholic Dicrionary:

SACRAMENTAL
“Objects or actions that the Church uses after the manner of sacraments, in order to achieve through the merits of the faithful certain effects, mainly of a spiritual nature. They differ from sacraments in not having been instituted by Christ to produce their effect in virtue of the ritual performed. Their efficacy depends not on the rite itself, as in the sacraments, but on the influence of prayerful petition; that of the person who uses them and of the Church in approving their practice. The variety of sacramentals spans the whole range of times and places, words and actions, objects and gestures that, on the Church’s authority, draw not only on the personal dispositions of the individuals but on the merits and prayers of the whole Mystical Body of Christ.”

Wow! Thank you. I possess way more sacramentals than I thought.

I have so many pictures, crucifixes, etc. that were sent by various Catholic charities, I thought they were merely nice religious items.

To learn that they are actually sacramentals, is nice to know.
Most of them really remind me of the holiness of each Saint and remind me to pray for intercession to them.

Thanks for the information.

 

[PJM]

=Indyann;6768119]Wow! Thank you. I possess way more sacramentals than I thought.

I have so many pictures, crucifixes, etc. that were sent by various Catholic charities, I thought they were merely nice religious items.

To learn that they are actually sacramentals, is nice to know.
Most of them really remind me of the holiness of each Saint and remind me to pray for intercession to them.

Thanks for the information.

I will pray that they will lead you towards heaven!