sacramentales

Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Catholic Church that resemble the sacraments but are not themselves sacraments. Their function is twofold: to dispose the faithful to receive the grace of the sacraments and to sanctify various circumstances of ordinary life through prayer, devotion, and reverence. They are distinct from the seven sacraments by their origin and effect; grace associated with sacramentals is linked to the Church’s blessing, to the intercession of the saints, and to the believer’s faith.

Sacramentals encompass a wide range of practices and rites. Examples include the blessing of persons, objects, and places; the use of blessed items such as rosaries, crucifixes, medals, scapulars, and holy images; the administration of holy water, holy oils, and other blessed substances; liturgical actions such as processions and prayers for specific needs; and rites like exorcisms. They may also include acts of devotion, such as the blessing of a home or family meals, and prayers connected with the church calendar.

The Church regards sacramentals as part of the sacramental economy, aiding the faithful in living out baptismal grace in daily life. They are not magical solutions; their effectiveness depends on proper use, the Church’s blessing, and the believer’s faith and cooperation with God’s grace.