P
PoliSciProf
Guest
Like all Catholics I have had rosaries, medals, bibles, candles, houses and food for Easter Sunday (well, maybe these last two aren’t as common) etc., etc. blessed. My questions: What happens when something is blessed? Does it change its nature? Does it lead to special graces? Is it just act of piety? When is it required? (Yes, I understand that holy water and oils are blessed for the sacraments). Why is it required? Can deacons bless? Can the laity bless? If so, what can they bless? What should they bless? I know that blessed objects (i.e., palms on Palm Sundays hould be disposed of by burning or so the good nuns taught me too many years ago) should be treated or disposed of differently than non-blessed objects but why? Are there sins associated with the handling of blessed objects? Are they mortal or venial? Can Protestants bless? Validly and/or Licitly? (I saw the crab fishing fleet blessed on The Most Dangerous Catch TV show by a woman minister).What does Canon Law say? What does Scripture say? I read widely on Catholicism and on religion and have never seen anything on this topic. I hope CA members can help.
