Praying before statues

[Julie_de_Sales]

I know that it’s okay to pray before a statue or an icon and that isn’t idolatry. However, I have difficulties in believing that in that statue is the spiritual presence of Jesus, Mary or the saints. I mean, Mary is more present in the statue that represents her that if I would just pray to her by myself? Or if someone is touching the statue, is like they would actually touch that particular saint?
I know it’s a strange question, but…

 

[antunesaa]

I mean, Mary is more present in the statue that represents her that if I would just pray to her by myself?

I don’t see why our Blessed Mother would be more present in the statue than she is at home when you pray the rosary. The whole point of sacred art is to predispose people to connect with the spiritual realm. One thing I can tell you: it helps a lot when you pray for our Blessed Mother’s intercession if you happen to be in a place where you now she once was, like in Guadalupe, Fátima, Lourdes or the Holy Land.

 

[bzkoss236]

I know that it’s okay to pray before a statue or an icon and that isn’t idolatry. However, I have difficulties in believing that in that statue is the spiritual presence of Jesus, Mary or the saints. I mean, Mary is more present in the statue that represents her that if I would just pray to her by myself? Or if someone is touching the statue, is like they would actually touch that particular saint?
I know it’s a strange question, but…

We don’t believe they are “present” in the statue. The statue is just used as a physical representation of them, since they are no longer physically here. When someone touches or kisses a statue, they are physically touching the statue, but they are spiritually and mentally focused on who the statue represents and honoring them. Praying in front of a statue or icon is just a way of focusing on that person. We don’t believe that Jesus or the Saint is IN the statue, but that they are just (in general) present with us. It would be no different than if you prayed at home or work. The only difference is that the statue can help you focus.

 

[Julie_de_Sales]

We don’t believe they are “present” in the statue. The statue is just used as a physical representation of them, since they are no longer physically here. When someone touches or kisses a statue, they are physically touching the statue, but they are spiritually and mentally focused on who the statue represents and honoring them. Praying in front of a statue or icon is just a way of focusing on that person. We don’t believe that Jesus or the Saint is IN the statue, but that they are just (in general) present with us. It would be no different than if you prayed at home or work. The only difference is that the statue can help you focus.

Thanks! I remember hearing a priest talking about ,spiritual presence" in a statue, but maybe this isn’t true.

 

[Mary_Ellen]

They are no more present than my sister is present in the photo of her in my wallet. The photo reminds me of her, just as the statue reminds me of the BVM, Jesus, or a particular saint.

 

[Danielcpb]

They are no more present than my sister is present in the photo of her in my wallet. The photo reminds me of her, just as the statue reminds me of the BVM, Jesus, or a particular saint.

Exactly!!!

God bless!

D.