Is it idolatry to touch statues for blessings?

[jedpatrickdatu]

Here in the Philippines we have a black Nazareth event where lots of people crowd the statue of a dark-skinned Jesus. They all work hard to reach it and touch it, believing that doing so will grant one plenty of blessings. Similar, smaller events also happen, like in my church, people go to a statue of Jesus in a burial robe and touch it while praying. Are those actions considered idolatry?

 

[Augusta_Crowley]

These links should help answer your questions about statues and idolatry. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by this, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.
Recommended Reading:

• The Intercession of the Saints (Fathers)*
• Praying to the Saints
• Saint Worship?
• What is an example of idolatry?
• ** Carving statues and Images**
• ** Where are statues and saints in the Bible?**
• ** Where does the New Testament allow for graven images?**
• ** Do Catholics Worship Statues?**
• ** Verse by Verse: Statuary**
• ** Statues of Limitations by Tim Staples**
• ** Second Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (787)**