Strange question

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leastofthese

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I was torn between posting this thread either in the Liturgy and Sacraments sub-forum or here in the Spirituality sub-forum. If any Mods feel that this thread doesn’t belong here feel free to move it.

With that said I have a question that I almost feel silly for asking. Here’s the brief background story. A relative of mine recently committed suicide. Though he was having some problems none of us in the family realized he was actually desperate enough to so something like that. I have prayed for him every day since, made a donation to have perpetual Masses said for him by a group of Carmelites, etc. I can only hope that the Lord gave him one last opportunity after death to seek forgiveness for this grave sin along with his years of estrangement from the Church.

After his death I received one of his posessions which reminds me very much of him. It’s his watch. I’m not sure if he was wearing it or not when he killed himself, but part of me feels a little weird knowing that I am wearing something that he likely had on him when he ended his life. I feel a little superstitious asking this, but do any of you think it would be a good idea to have the watch blessed? I know that the relics of the saints retain a certain spiritual energy due to their holiness and that made me wonder if the belongings of those who have committed horrible sins perhaps also retain a sort of sinful energy. I don’t want to come off as some new-ager (I’m certainly not associated with any of that garbage).

Anyway, I just really wonder if this is something I should do, or if I should chill out and treat it as nothing more than a belonging of a deceased loved one which I find comforting to have as a reminder of them?

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Relics of saints do not “retain spiritual energy” - this sounds like New Age nonsense. We venerate relics because they remind us of, or physically ARE, the holy person. They are a physical link to a spiritual reality, the communion of saints.

As for the watch, it is not “cursed” in any way; it is, as I explained above, a link to your relative. Perhaps it should not remind you so much of his death but of his life; after all, it was not the instrument of his death, but something useful, something he used every day to mark the time. You should put the sad thoughts out of your mind when you consider this “relic” of his, and dwell on the happy times and your memories of his life.
 
With the way some members on CAF freak out over semantics I knew I was probably going to get into trouble using the inadequate term “spiritual energy”.

What I was trying to get at was how relics are revered and have been linked to healings, etc. This is not “new age” (which I clearly stated I’m not a part of any of that nonsense in my OP) it’s actually Biblical. If you recall the accounts of people touching Saint Peter’s cloak, etc. being healed of their illnesses. I’m not arguing that relics have any power in themselves, but rather that God and the saints sometimes choose to work through relics. Which is why in a like fashion I was wondering whether the same could apply in a negative way.

Next time I’ll be sure to be more careful when choosing my words on CAF so as to not have to worry about anyone insinuating that I hold any heretical beliefs.
 
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant him rest.

As to the watch, You certainly Could ask your priest to bless it, but it would be a rather unusual request and you would have to be extra careful with the watch forever after that.

I think that you should put it away for awhile until your grief passes (or at least most of it). I think that the grief process has a lot to do with your concern.

Peace
James
 
leastofthese said:
What I was trying to get at was how relics are revered and have been linked to healings, etc. This is not “new age” (which I clearly stated I’m not a part of any of that nonsense in my OP) it’s actually Biblical. If you recall the accounts of people touching Saint Peter’s cloak, etc. being healed of their illnesses. I’m not arguing that relics have any power in themselves, but rather that God and the saints sometimes choose to work through relics. Which is why in a like fashion I was wondering whether the same could apply in a negative way.
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Leastofthese, I think I get what you’re trying to say here. I know that objects become sacramentals once they’re blessed, and so in that way they are changed. And according to the famous exorcist Father Amorth objects can also be cursed by individuals or infested by demons (in other words a lesser form of possesion, rather than involving a person it might involve a house for instance). Though I don’t think this would apply here.

I guess in the end I’d say that it obviously couldn’t hurt to have the watch blessed, however I don’t know if it’s really necessary. Crystal Water’s suggestion to talk to your priest about this I think is the best advice.

Also, I’m sorry for your loss.
 
There is no need to have the watch blessed. Of course, if you feel the need, ask the priest to comment.

Everybody (!) has to deal with death in their family sooner or later, by whatever means it happens. So, there are lots of things left behind all the time. I wore clothes my uncle left behind after he died.

He was a pharmacist, and he actually had loose pills in the pocket (no, my aunt obviously didn’t have the jacket cleaned before giving it to me, obviously).

Your feelings might be part of the grieving process, one way or the other.

I’m 61, and my dad died when I was 9. I have a his tools and still live in the house he and my grandfather built. After he died, I found a catcher’s mitt which I thought was kind of dumb. Who would have a catcher’s mitt? Well, it got kicked around and the leather dried up and I eventually threw it out — then I discovered it was my dad’s and that he was quite the high school baseball catcher and generally gifted player. Well, so much for the catcher’s mitt.

Everybody’s different, Perhaps you need to change your perspective and think about all the positives about your deceased relative and fill your mind with the positive aspect of having the watch. Make the time when you are conscious of it to be one of thanksgiving for your relative and to say a prayer for him and all the deceased in your family. And, maybe too, to pray for others in your family and friends who might also be having problems like that. You’re right, we never know.

Use that watch to develop your spirituality, your closeness to God. I would try to urge you to NOT have the watch blessed, but to use your own faith and strength to get through this difficult period.

If the watch still bothers you and it has some value, perhaps consider donating it to charity.
 
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