About Sacramentals

469. What are sacramentals?

Sacramentals are holy things or actions of which the Church makes use to obtain for us favors from God, through her intercession, spiritual and temporal favors.

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470. How do sacramentals obtain favors from God?

The sacramentals obtain favors from God through the prayers of the Church offered for those who make use of them, and through the devotion they inspire.

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471. What are the chief benefits obtained by the use of sacramentals?

The chief benefits obtained by the use of sacramentals are:

first, actual graces;

second, the forgiveness of venial sins;

third, the remission of temporal punishment;

fourth, health of body and material blessings;

fifth, protection from evil spirits."

Baltimore Catechism No. 3, The Text of the Official Revised Edition 1949, by Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D.

Common Sacramentals

472. What are the chief kinds of sacramentals?

The chief kinds of sacramentals are:

first, blessings given by priests and bishops;

second; exorcisms against evil spirits;

third, blessed objects of devotion.

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473. Which are the blessed objects of devotion most used by Catholics?

The blessed objects of devotion most used by Catholics are:

• Holy water

• Candles

• Ashes

• Palms

• Crucifixes

• Medals

• Rosaries

• Scapulars

• Images of Our Lord

• Images of the Blessed Virgin

• Images of the Saints

(. . .)"

Baltimore Catechism No. 3, The Text of the Official Revised Edition 1949, by Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D.