Sacramentals are special objects, prayers, and actions that the Church gives us to help bring us closer to God. While they are not Sacraments—those big, powerful signs of God’s love like Baptism and the Eucharist—they still hold a crucial role in the life of a devout Catholic. This article focuses on three powerful sacramentals every Catholic should consider having in their homes: Holy Water, the Crucifix, and the Rosary.
Holy Water: A Sign of Purification and Protection
What Is Holy Water and Its Importance
Holy Water is ordinary water that has been blessed by a priest. It serves as a sign of purification and spiritual cleansing and is often used in various rites and prayers. When you make the sign of the cross with Holy Water as you enter the church or at home, you’re reminding yourself of your Baptism and commitment to follow Jesus.
Church’s Teaching on Holy Water
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare men to receive the fruit of the sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life” (CCC 1677). While the Catechism does not specifically mention Holy Water, it is implied in this definition as one of the sacramentals used to sanctify our life and lead us closer to the sacraments.
Biblical Basis for Holy Water
The Bible also hints at the sacredness of water. For instance, in the Old Testament, water was used for purification (Numbers 19:17-19). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was baptized in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17), setting a precedent for the purifying nature of water.
How to Use Holy Water at Home
You can keep a small container of Holy Water at home and use it to bless yourself and family members. It can be used for protection against evil and to bless new objects in the home. By regularly using Holy Water, you integrate the faith into daily living.
The Crucifix: The Symbol of Our Salvation
What Is the Crucifix and Its Importance
The Crucifix is not just any cross; it is a cross with the image of Jesus crucified upon it. The Crucifix serves as a powerful reminder of the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus made for us. It is the very emblem of the Christian faith and a point of focus for prayer and meditation.
Church’s Teaching on the Crucifix
The Catechism states: “The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols. Indeed, ‘the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype,’ and ‘whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it'” (CCC 2132). This means that the Crucifix, as an image of Christ, is not idol worship but a way to honor Jesus Himself.
Biblical Basis for the Crucifix
The Bible frequently refers to the cross as the means of our salvation. One of the most compelling references comes from Philippians 2:8: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” This reference to Jesus’ crucifixion underlines the importance of the cross as a symbol of divine love and sacrifice.
How to Use the Crucifix at Home
Display the Crucifix in a prominent place in your home—perhaps in the living room or above the dining table. Use it as a focal point for family prayers and individual meditations.
The Rosary: A Powerful Prayer for Intercession
What Is the Rosary and Its Importance
The Rosary is a form of prayer used to meditate on the lives of Jesus and Mary. The Rosary consists of a set sequence of prayers and meditations on specific “mysteries” or events in their lives. Through this prayer, Catholics seek the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, to bring their petitions to Jesus.
Church’s Teaching on the Rosary
The Rosary is a Marian prayer that the Church highly recommends. The Catechism states: “Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ” (CCC 2708). Though the Catechism does not mention the Rosary by name in this paragraph, it describes the type of prayer that the Rosary represents.
Biblical Basis for the Rosary
The prayers and mysteries of the Rosary have roots in the Bible. For example, the “Hail Mary,” part of the Rosary, comes from the words of the Angel Gabriel when he greets Mary in Luke 1:28: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
How to Use the Rosary at Home
Keep a Rosary in your home and even consider having a Rosary for each family member. Dedicate time for family Rosary sessions, especially in the evenings or during family prayer time.
Conclusion
These three sacramentals—Holy Water, the Crucifix, and the Rosary—are not magical objects, but tools given by the Church to deepen our faith and draw us closer to God. By including them in your home, you create a sacred space that can be a constant reminder of God’s love and presence.