Disposable Crucifixes?

[jp2weloveu]

During a visit to my family’s cemetery the other day, I was picking up debris that I found strewn on the plots of loved ones. Apparently, a burial service not too far away was the source of bits of floral foam and, among other things, a 5” plastic crucifix. The wind had been strong in the preceding days, so as often is the case, things got blown around.

Nonetheless, I was disheartened that this crucifix was apparently treated with as little reverence as plastic flower containers and floral foam. To be clear the crucifix was very “economically” made. It is comprised of the type of plastic that typically has the electro-plating flaking off while still new. It also had floral wire loop at the top, apparently to anchor it to a spray or other arrangement.

I took it home and will probably end up painting it (because the finish is so poor) and keeping it, or crushing and burying it. I have a collection of similar items (economical medals and crucifixes) that I could not bring myself to just throw in the trash. Honestly, as I do have many devotional items that have sentimental value and are well made, I’m not looking to expand my collection of such things. I’ve never crushed or buried any devotional items before…

In any regard is it overly fastidious to actually think or act in this way? If not, why do we as Catholics act like this? The cemetery in question is a Catholic cemetery run by the local diocese. I’m sure the practice of utilizing such crucifixes isn’t limited to my area alone; and I’m sure there is a big pile of plastic crucifixes at floral shops all over.

On a related note I think that many of the devotional items that come in the mail likely end up making it into most peoples “circular files”. It has been my experience that most of these items are likely to break after one decade of Hail Marys. I realize that the prospect of sending out items that actually cost a lot (relatively) in mass mailings doesn’t make economic sense.

I also know that such items remind people of certain devotions, and are effective ways of raising funds. I believe that having devotional items around builds our spiritual lives; however, my concern lies in the notion that maybe the over abundance of such things make them seem disposable and very much like so much other clutter. Does having a pile of broken rosaries or illegible medals help build our spiritual lives?

What do you think?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I wouldn’t be happy to see a crucifix blowing around the cemetery. At the same time, I’m sure that it wasn’t blessed so throwing it away would seem like a reasonable possibility. For comparison, how would you feel if you saw a cheap little flag blowing around? Would you toss it in the trash or would you take it home and burn it?

What I generally do with the little gifty items I get from various charities is put them in a small box I have set aside until the box is full. Then I give them to the religious education director at my parish for the teachers to use as gifts or prizes. I don’t want a junky rosary or a magnet with a saint on it, but kids love those sorts of things.

 

[jp2weloveu]

For comparison, how would you feel if you saw a cheap little flag blowing around? Would you toss it in the trash or would you take it home and burn it?

I got a pile of those too

I’m going to bring them to the VFW hall. They properly dispose of them and I think it makes them feel good that someone respects the flag, and by association, the sacrifice of those who served their country…

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

During a visit to my family’s cemetery the other day, I was picking up debris that I found strewn on the plots of loved ones. Apparently, a burial service not too far away was the source of bits of floral foam and, among other things, a 5” plastic crucifix. The wind had been strong in the preceding days, so as often is the case, things got blown around.

Nonetheless, I was disheartened that this crucifix was apparently treated with as little reverence as plastic flower containers and floral foam. To be clear the crucifix was very “economically” made. It is comprised of the type of plastic that typically has the electro-plating flaking off while still new. It also had floral wire loop at the top, apparently to anchor it to a spray or other arrangement.

I took it home and will probably end up painting it (because the finish is so poor) and keeping it, or crushing and burying it. I have a collection of similar items (economical medals and crucifixes) that I could not bring myself to just throw in the trash. Honestly, as I do have many devotional items that have sentimental value and are well made, I’m not looking to expand my collection of such things. I’ve never crushed or buried any devotional items before…

In any regard is it overly fastidious to actually think or act in this way? If not, why do we as Catholics act like this? The cemetery in question is a Catholic cemetery run by the local diocese. I’m sure the practice of utilizing such crucifixes isn’t limited to my area alone; and I’m sure there is a big pile of plastic crucifixes at floral shops all over.

On a related note I think that many of the devotional items that come in the mail likely end up making it into most peoples “circular files”. It has been my experience that most of these items are likely to break after one decade of Hail Marys. I realize that the prospect of sending out items that actually cost a lot (relatively) in mass mailings doesn’t make economic sense.

I also know that such items remind people of certain devotions, and are effective ways of raising funds. I believe that having devotional items around builds our spiritual lives; however, my concern lies in the notion that maybe the over abundance of such things make them seem disposable and very much like so much other clutter. Does having a pile of broken rosaries or illegible medals help build our spiritual lives?

What do you think?

These plastic craft type items are used by florists and are most likely not blessed. If unpainted and has no sharp edges they would be a great gift for a small child since they are usually solid plastic.