SACRAMENTALS

Holy Mother Church has moreover institutedSacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the Sacraments. They signify effects , particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the Sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy. ( SC #60).

The Characteristics of Sacramentals

Sacramentals are instituted for the sanctification of certain ministries of the Church, states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life , and the use of many things helpful to man. In accordance with the bishops ' pastoral decisions, they can also respond to the needs , culture and special history of the Christian people of a particular region or time. They always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign , such as the laying on of hands , the sign of the Cross , or the springkling of holy water (which recalls Baptism).

Sacramentals derive from the baptismal priesthood: every baptized person is called to be a blessing, and to bless( Gen 12:2; Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14). Hence lay people may preside at a certain blessings; the more the blessing concerns ecclesial and Sacramental life , the more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministery ( Bishops , Priests or Deacons ) ( SC #79, CIC Can 1168).

Sacramentals do it confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way the Sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer , they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. For well disposed members of the faithful, the liturgy of the Sacraments and the Sacramentals sanctifies almost every event of their lives with the divine grace which flows from the Paschal mystery of the Passion , Death and Resurrection of Christ. From this source all Sacraments and Sacramentals draw their power . There is scarcely any proper use of material things which cannot be thus directed toward the sanctification of men and the praise of God ( SC #61).

Various forms of Sacramentals 

Among Sacramentals blessings ( of persons, meals , objects and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father with every spiritual blessing ( Ephesians 1:3). This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the Holy sign of the Cross of Christ.

When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the evil one and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called Exorcism. Jesus performed exorcism and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcising (Mk 1:25-26;3:15;16:17). The solemn exorcism can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop.

We should this understand, appreciate and in all our private devotions act in line with the teaching of Christ Jesus our Lord where the Church has derived her teaching as well. Popular piety should not thus replace the Liturgy which is the Public Worship. Private devotions should not replace the asseomly worship. All this need to be done in moderation and prudence.

( CCC #1667-1674)

Thanks for reading 

Samuel Nyonje Muhanji wishes you God's blessings.

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