Catholic Sacramentals · Crosses and medals
Historical origin: Medieval practice renewed in the XX-XX centuries.
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 practice of praying three Avemarias was developed in medieval spirituality in honor of the gifts received by Mary of the Trinity and was recommended, with various formulations, by later authors and saints. In the Contemporary Age, associations and publications spread medals linked to that prayer, especially as a memory of praying it when it rose and lay down. The medal does not constitute a new apparition and does not make the associated building accounts an infallible promise.
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 serves as a reminder of a brief and persistent prayer. The three Avemarias are to lead to the Trinitarian faith, the imitation of Mary and the concrete conversion.
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
