Catholic Sacramentals · Crosses and medals
Historical origin: Ancient Christian Iconography and modern medallery.
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
Michael, Gabriel and Rafael are the three angels named as such in the Scripture received by the Catholic Church. His joint representation took place in Christian art and then went on to pictures and medals. Michael recalls the fight of fidelity to God; Gabriel, the proclamation of the Incarnation; Rafael, the guidance and healing narrated in Tobias. The joint medal is recent in the face of this iconographic history and does not constitute a different sacramental category.
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
It is blessed as an object of mercy and guides the praise of God. Any mixture with esoteric angelologies, magic stamps or non-biblical names should be excluded.
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
