Selling relics and sacramentals

[_L]

Can someone please answer me as to the morality of selling relics and sacramentals such as Holy Water? I’ve been surfing the net looking for a simple cross or crucifix necklace, and im coming across sites that are selling things like Holy Water and items claimed to have had contact with things Jesus touched such as the cross and nails used at his Crucifixion. And my first reaction at seeing this sort of thing was one of indignation, is this not the sort of thing Jesus became angry at when driving the money changers out of the temple? I’m really at a loss for words. Can someone please explain to me whether this sort of thing is permitted or not? it seems to be a form of simony to me, people profiting from selling sacramentals.

 

[Bookcat]

Can someone please answer me as to the morality of selling relics and sacramentals such as Holy Water? I’ve been surfing the net looking for a simple cross or crucifix necklace, and im coming across sites that are selling things like Holy Water and items claimed to have had contact with things Jesus touched such as the cross and nails used at his Crucifixion. And my first reaction at seeing this sort of thing was one of indignation, is this not the sort of thing Jesus became angry at when driving the money changers out of the temple? I’m really at a loss for words. Can someone please explain to me whether this sort of thing is permitted or not? it seems to be a form of simony to me, people profiting from selling sacramentals.

It is forbidden to sell relics. It is the sin of simony.

Can. 1190 §1. It is absolutely forbidden to sell sacred relics.

As for sacramentala ie crosses…medals and the like…they are to be blessed after sale…one buys the object for the objects value (silver medal etc). Later one asks a priest to bless it. One doe NOT sell a blessing!

Holy water? it is free at any Church…

catholicreference.net/index.cfm?id=36482

 

[Erin_Anne]

Can someone please answer me as to the morality of selling relics and sacramentals such as Holy Water? I’ve been surfing the net looking for a simple cross or crucifix necklace, and im coming across sites that are selling things like Holy Water and items claimed to have had contact with things Jesus touched such as the cross and nails used at his Crucifixion. And my first reaction at seeing this sort of thing was one of indignation, is this not the sort of thing Jesus became angry at when driving the money changers out of the temple? I’m really at a loss for words. Can someone please explain to me whether this sort of thing is permitted or not? it seems to be a form of simony to me, people profiting from selling sacramentals.

NOT permitted.

Canon Law 1190
§1 It is absolutely wrong to sell sacred relics.
§2 Distinguished relics, and others which are held in great veneration by the people, may not validly be in any way alienated nor transferred on a permanent basis, without the permission of the Apostolic See.

BUT… it is OK to buy them if they are for sale, and in doing so it would save them from desecration - buying from Auctions (like e-bay) are not permitted because they drive up the price of the Relic.

Relics may be obtained from Church sources, and a donation to cover the cost of the casing would be expected, however profit from the sale is strictly forbidden. One is also able to make their own 3rd class Relic by touching it to a 1st or 2nd class.

You may obtain Holy Water from your Chuch/Priest.