As
Catholics who frequently use sacramentals (brown scapulars, St. Benedict
medals, blessed rosary beads, etc.) we often run into a problem when the object
breaks or wears out (I for one never use a sacramental beyond 1 year). What
should be done with these holy objects? Is it okay to simply throw them in the
trash?
To briefly summarize, sacramentals are
anything set apart or blessed by the Church for the purpose of sanctifying our
lives and leading us to the sacraments. They are sacred signs and provide for
us grace (spiritual help) through the intercession of the Church.
Sacramentals used at home can be any number of religious items that have been blessed by a priest or deacon — a rosary, medal, crucifix, or even a candle. Regardless of what it is, if it has been blessed by a member of the clergy, then it needs to be treated with due care (cf. Canon 1171).
Sacramentals used at home can be any number of religious items that have been blessed by a priest or deacon — a rosary, medal, crucifix, or even a candle. Regardless of what it is, if it has been blessed by a member of the clergy, then it needs to be treated with due care (cf. Canon 1171).
As Catholics we believe that blessings from
ordained ministers have real spiritual power. This is most evident in the seven
sacraments, where the words of the priest can bring about a spiritual
transformation. The obvious example is the Eucharist, where through the
priest’s words, the bread and wine at Mass become the Body and Blood of Christ.
It is a miracle that God brings about through words said by his chosen
ministers. On a much lower but analogous level, we believe that when a priest
or deacon blesses a religious object, something changes. We may not be able to
see it, but at times we may feel the spiritual weight of a sacramental that has
been blessed. Consequently, we are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals in
a way that shows due reverence. All sacramentals can be either burned or buried
in order to properly dispose of them. This type of disposal honors their sacred
purpose and returns them to the earth in a dignified way. If a person is unable
to do either, the sacramental may be dropped off at the parish office and
someone on staff can take care of it.
We often forget that the physical things we
see are only one part of a much larger universe. There exists a spiritual world
around us that we cannot see, but which constantly affects our daily life. By
treating sacramentals with respect, we recognize this basic truth and honor the
heavenly blessing that was placed on the object by a priest or deacon.
So the reason why I do not use any sacramental
beyond 1 year is that when I want to dispose of the sacramental I have to bury
it and I cannot just bury it in any place like a refuse dump or what have you,
so I bury my sacramentals around mine and my relative's houses. To me, these
have become places to mark the grace of God in my life.
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