Saint Medals

[kensington]

I have a question I need answered, I'd like to have an understanding of  "Saint Medals"...  I would like to know WHY they are worn, what it means to those who wear them and the signifigance of them. Why are they blessed by a priest, and what does that denote to the medal.

Are they called "Holy Medals"?  Why would one give one to someone. And would you give one to someone who was not Catholic and why if the answer is yes.

Can any one give me insight to this practice?  TIA.  

[kensington]

Is there no one Catholic who can answer this query for me?  I don't want to debate it, I just want answers to the questions as to the why's and what fors concerning these medals. Thanks.

[Scott1]

I have a question I need answered, I'd like to have an understanding of  "Saint Medals"...

For clarification... I din't answer earlier, because "medals" don't play a role in my life... but I will give ya what I know.

I would like to know WHY they are worn,

This varies from person to person... could simply be a fashion choice, a cultural thing, or it could be meaningful to the wearer.

what it means to those who wear them and the signifigance of them.

Again, varies.... from a physical reminder of a spiritual reality --- to those who believe certain medals gain them "extraordinary graces" from God.  

Why are they blessed by a priest, and what does that denote to the medal.

Are they called "Holy Medals"?  

Medals fall under what is properly called "sacramentals"  

Feel free to read about them : http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c4a1.htm#1667

Why would one give one to someone.

(broken record, sorry) Reasons vary, from a kind gesture to an attempt to "save" or "convert"....

I gave one to my friend's son at his First Communion... but even my Jewish mother gave one as well --- it is kinda the thing to do for a religious occasion like that.

And would you give one to someone who was not Catholic and why if the answer is yes.

I wouldn't .... unless I was giving it simply as jewelry to someone I knew had a affinity for religious items.

At least you'll be able to read the backround about sacramentals before another Catholic who has more experience with these things posts on the thread.

Peace,
S

[kensington]

Thank you Scott for your input. I did go to the link to read and find answers. I appreciate that. It lead to another site that helped explain more about Sacramentals also.

[AVZ]

Hmm, the way I read it Saint Medals and the Eucharist do not differ that much from each other.
Each in their own way promote the physical/partial indwelling of devinity into an object?

[winsome]

Hmm, the way I read it Saint Medals and the Eucharist do not differ that much from each other.
Each in their own way promote the physical/partial indwelling of devinity into an object?

They differ greatly

Sacramentals are sacred signs signifying spiritual effects obtained by the prayers of the Church (Canon 1166).

Sacraments (such as the Eucharist) are signs instituted by Christ to give grace through his power. They are the actions of Christ.

Sacramentals are signs instituted by the Church to give grace through the prayers of the Church, and the faith of the recipients. They are the actions of the Church and of ourselves.

[Paulus]

Hmm, the way I read it Saint Medals and the Eucharist do not differ that much from each other.
Each in their own way promote the physical/partial indwelling of devinity into an object?

They differ greatly .

That is to put it extremely mildly , winsome.  

And AVZ knows it .

[kensington]

Hmm, the way I read it Saint Medals and the Eucharist do not differ that much from each other.
Each in their own way promote the physical/partial indwelling of devinity into an object?

They differ greatly

Sacramentals are sacred signs signifying spiritual effects obtained by the prayers of the Church (Canon 1166).

Sacraments (such as the Eucharist) are signs instituted by Christ to give grace through his power. They are the actions of Christ.

Sacramentals are signs instituted by the Church to give grace through the prayers of the Church, and the faith of the recipients. They are the actions of the Church and of ourselves.

Can you explain to me why someone would give such saint medals/sacrametnals to someone who was not Catholic or who did not believe that the saints do act within our daily lives?  I'm trying to find answers to understand. Not to offend.

[Scott1]

Like I mentioned earlier, a medal could be given because the person who does believe thinks it would be a loving, thoughtful, and Christian thing to do.

On the other hand - the motive could be an attempt to covert - the wearer will be so "moved" they will rush to the nearest Catholic Church and convert.

You have to know the person to even give a good guess as to the motive...

[kensington]

That makes sense. 

[chosenone]

Its sort of like a talisman I guess. A superstitious charm or good luck item, like the st christopher. I am afraid that if I got given one it would go in the bin, but I have never heard of them.

[winsome]

Its sort of like a talisman I guess. A superstitious charm or good luck item, like the st christopher. I am afraid that if I got given one it would go in the bin, but I have never heard of them.

No they are not talismans or good luck items.

This is from an article on Sacramentals:

"There are two extremes to avoid regarding sacramentals. The first is superstitions – regarding the sacramentals as if they have magical powers. Superstition exists when we try to get an effect without a proportionate cause, for instance to think a rabbit’s foot can bring good luck. In the sacramentals there is a proportionate cause to the effect desired; the power of the sacramentals comes from the prayers of the Church and the faith of the recipient. Sacramentals are not magical charms, they are a calling of God to act.

The other extreme is sophistication – to dismiss sacramentals as the tools of the weak and ignorant, The trouble with sophisticated people is they seek to shape God is his/her own image and likeness. They seek God their way and not his way"

[Paulus]

Its sort of like a talisman I guess. A superstitious charm or good luck item, like the st christopher. I am afraid that if I got given one it would go in the bin, but I have never heard of them.

You have never heard of them yet you quote a St Christopher medal . 

[chosenone]

I have never heard of St Christophers as 'medals', or of them being given as some sort of religious award. They too are superstitious nonsense. A peice of metal wont do anything or give any protection, and more than dead 'saints' will.

[Ladonia]

I have never heard of St Christophers as 'medals', or of them being given as some sort of religious award. They too are superstitious nonsense. A peice of metal wont do anything or give any protection, and more than dead 'saints' will.

We have quoted scripture and verse in the past that none of the "saints" are dead, they are "asleep" in the Lord, and as alive as you are I are right right now, that they are just in a different plane or dimension (heaven), why is that so hard for you to understand? Don't you believe the Scriptures?

You know, atheists say the same things about Christians, that religion as a whole is nothing but superstitious nonsense. I guess as a Christian, others could perceive that you are guilty in believing in that "nonsense"  too. Imagine, believing that a virgin could give birth and that a man could rise from the dead. Preposturous!