Blessings Broadcast Over Air Waves

[Jester]

Frequently Catholic clerics impart blessings to listeners to Catholic Answers Live and other programs. Since blessings are sacramentals regulated by Holy Mother Church, I am wondering if anyone can direct me to a resource which would verify the authenticity of such blessings. I rather like the idea, but would like to be able to defend it when questioned.

 

[tee_eff_em]

At least some (and I suspect all) such blessings are legitimate.

1. PAPAL BLESSING.
   A PLENARY INDULGENCE is granted to those who “piously and devoutly” receive, even by radio, the Blessing of the Pope when imparted to Rome and the world (Urbi et Orbi).
   
   Enchiridion of Indulgences (digested)​

tee

 

[Jester]

JMJ
Thank you tee_eff_em.

#12 under Other Grants Of Indulgences renders authenticity to plenary indulgences receieved by listeners to the imparting of the Blessing of the Sovereign Pontiff.

The words “…,even by radio transmission” certaintly lend credibility to the notion that blessings may be imparted via radio. But they are technically and indirect reference.

It is not my intention to nit-pick. I will use the quote you provided. But I would like to have something directly addressing the question to which I could refer when called to defend the practice.
So, if there is anything else you can think of, I would appreciate knowing.
His blessings and mercy

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Jester:

JMJ
Thank you tee_eff_em.

#12 under Other Grants Of Indulgences renders authenticity to plenary indulgences receieved by listeners to the imparting of the Blessing of the Sovereign Pontiff.

The words “…,even by radio transmission” certaintly lend credibility to the notion that blessings may be imparted via radio. But they are technically and indirect reference.

It is not my intention to nit-pick. I will use the quote you provided. But I would like to have something directly addressing the question to which I could refer when called to defend the practice.
So, if there is anything else you can think of, I would appreciate knowing.
His blessings and mercy

I do not believe that it is the Pope who is imparting the blessing on Catholic Answers Live! As I understand it. It only applies to the Apostolic Blessing of the Roman Pontiff.

However that said I also make the sign of the cross at the end of audio tapes when a blessing is given. I’m not saying that those blessings are totally worthless, they are at least a reminder to bless myself often.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I read some time ago that only the Orbi et Urbi blessing may be received by radio/TV, and it must be a live transmission. This makes some sense since this blessing is for the World and the City; so one should be able to receive it at long range.

Note that even by radio, implies an exception to a general rule here*.*

Sorry, I don’t have a reference, and don’t even have a good measure of the authority of the answer, though I think it was from a priest.

 

[Jester]

JMJ

Joe Kelley: Without an authoritative source what you heard may be only an opinion.

Br. Rich SFO: The pope is not giving the blessing on Catholic Answers Live. I’m sorry if my post implied such. I have heard various bishops and priests impart a blessing either on their own volition or at the behest of the host, Jerry Usher.

I’m confident Catholic Answers would never ask a bishop or priest to do something illicit. I’m also confident their guest bishops and priests would not comply if the practice was illicit.

What I am hoping to find is an authentic source to which I can refer in defence of the practice. There must be something written somewhere, and I’d sure like to find it.
His blessings and mercy to all

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Jester:

JMJ

Joe Kelley: Without an authoritative source what you heard may be only an opinion.

Br. Rich SFO: The pope is not giving the blessing on Catholic Answers Live. I’m sorry if my post implied such. I have heard various bishops and priests impart a blessing either on their own volition or at the behest of the host, Jerry Usher.

I’m confident Catholic Answers would never ask a bishop or priest to do something illicit. I’m also confident their guest bishops and priests would not comply if the practice was illicit.

What I am hoping to find is an authentic source to which I can refer in defence of the practice. There must be something written somewhere, and I’d sure like to find it.
His blessings and mercy to all

I’m sure there is something in the *Book of Blessings *in reference to this. The guest Bishops and priests are imparting their blessing on those present in the studio with them. As I noted in my other post however you can use the blessing to remind yourself to make the sign of the cross often.