The Sacramentals

Sacramentals.—The sacramentals are the sacred things (e.g., rosaries, scapulars, agnus deis) and actions (e.g., consecrations, blessings, exorcisms) used by the Church in imitation of the Sacraments to obtain through her intercession blessings chiefly of a spiritual sort (Canon 1144).

(a) Necessity.—Our Lord gave to the Church the power of instituting sacramentals, and certain of those used by the Church are but developments of the blessings and exorcisms that He used. Some of the sacramentals are commanded by the Church (viz, those that are used in the administration of the Sacraments or in other sacred services); others are recommended, but not commanded.

(b) Use.—The virtue of religion requires that the sacramentals be administered, received and treated with devotion and respect, the extremes of irreligion and superstition being avoided (see 2244). The laws of the Church on the ministers, recipients, and rites of the sacramentals are treated in works on Canon Law and liturgy.