Catholic Sacramentals · Crosses and medals
Historical origin: Europe, medieval development and modern dissemination.
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
St. Christopher was venerated from the late Antiquity and the Middle Ages as a martyr and bearer of Christ. The western legend represents him by crossing a river with the Child Jesus on his shoulders. The images of the saint were placed in churches, doors and roads; with modern mobility, their medal became common among drivers, sailors and travellers. The reform of the Roman calendar did not suppress his worship, although he left his memory out of the universal calendar because of the lack of secure historical data.
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
The medal asks for prudence, responsibility and help from God on the journey. It does not protect mechanically or excuse to drive recklessly.
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
