Coins at base of statues

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WordisLove

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Hello all,

I was at the parish chapel today. On leaving I happened to look up at one of the two statues flanking the entrance and noticed a decent amount of coins, mainly quarters etc. at the base of each. Maybe ten to fifteen coins in all but it struck me as strange. Is this a catholic custom, a superstition, a one time thing done by one person or what. I am a convert and am still learning after three years or so.

Are these tokens of thanks for prayers to Micheal the Archangel and Mary (the two statues) or something else. I have an unquenchable curiosity when I see things like this. Thanks in advance for your answers.

Remember the fallen. May they rest in peace. Queen of Heaven Ora Pro Nobis
 
People leave money for a variety of reasons, but generally it is because of a devotion to the particular saint. People are thankful for the intercessory prayers offered to God on our behalf–donating money is a tangible way to demonstrate that gratitude. Sometimes this is misunderstood by those who aren’t Catholic. I am a convert, too, and I have had to deal with questions about this practice. Catholics are accused of trying to “buy” a favor or a miracle. I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and there is a church in my city which has a large rack of candles beneath her statue. I ask for her intercession, most especially in the area of protection for the unborn, and I know that the money I put in the box is used to assist the poor and vulnerable. Most Catholics I know are people of charity, and they practice charity in a variety of ways. Giving money in the name of a saint is one way of doing this. I hope this helps. 🙂
 
I have never seen coins at the base of statues. There are some churches that have vigil candles and a box for donations. The donations help with the cost of replacing the candles and lighter sticks.
 
WordisLove said:
Hello all,

I was at the parish chapel today. On leaving I happened to look up at one of the two statues flanking the entrance and noticed a decent amount of coins, mainly quarters etc. at the base of each. Maybe ten to fifteen coins in all but it struck me as strange. Is this a catholic custom, a superstition, a one time thing done by one person or what. I am a convert and am still learning after three years or so.

Are these tokens of thanks for prayers to Micheal the Archangel and Mary (the two statues) or something else. I have an unquenchable curiosity when I see things like this. Thanks in advance for your answers.

Remember the fallen. May they rest in peace. Queen of Heaven Ora Pro Nobis
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It seems to be a cultural thing, they usually are considered “Alms” and are collected up usually to help with the care of the shrine or for the poor. I’m from a Slovak background and we always had a quarter, dime and nickel under each statue of the Infant of Prague.
 
It’s no more superstitious than placing flowers before each statue - many churches do so, to honour the saint who is depicted. And individuals might do so to, as a ‘thankyou’ for prayers answered. It’s only polite to say thanks to someone who does you a favour, after all, no?
 
Makes sense, thanks for the answers. I always like to know in case I am asked by a non-catholic.
 
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