Catholic Sacramentals · Crosses and medals
Historical origin: Rue du Bac, París, 1830.
What is and what is not
This object or practice belongs to the field of Catholic piety and must be understood from the general doctrine of the sacramentals. The sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church who, by their prayer, prepare to receive grace and sanctify the circumstances of life. They do not confer grace in the same way as the seven sacraments and do not act automatically. Matter, color, or form have no magic power.
History
The medal was born after the mystical experiences that Saint Catherine Labouré, Daughter of Charity, declared to have received in 1830 in the chapel of the Rue du Bac. The Archbishop of Paris authorized the coining and the first medals circulated in 1832. The reverse shows Mary over the world, with rays that express graces asked to God; the reverse brings together the M, the cross, the hearts of Jesus and Mary and twelve stars. The name "miraculous" popularly emerged from the favors attributed to its confident use.
Its development is inserted into a broader Christian history. From the first centuries, the faithful used the sign of the cross, blessings, water, oil, clothing, pilgrimage and images to keep alive the memory of Baptism and the communion of the saints. In the Middle Ages, the cofradies and reduced forms of religious habits grew; the Modern Age multiplied rituals, medals and sanctuary memories. The contemporary liturgical reform called for a review of these practices so that they lead to the liturgy, sprout from it and avoid superstitions.
Christian use and blessing
He does not perform miracles by metal or force God. It is a visual catechesis that invites us to ask for Mary's intercession and to live in grace, charity and trust.
The blessing must be done with a rite approved and by the competent minister. The faithful responds to that prayer by living the Gospel: faith, hope, charity, participation in the Eucharist, confession when necessary and works of mercy. A sacramental does not replace a medical consultation, a prudent decision or moral duty.
doctrinal sources for deepening
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1667-1679
- Code of Canon Law, 1166-1172
- Directory on popular piety and liturgy
