Sacramentales are objects or rituals that are used in the Catholic Church as a means of expressing and deepening one's faith. Derived from the Spanish word "sacramental," sacramentales are considered to be sacred signs or actions that remind believers of the mysteries of the faith and help them participate in the divine life.
These may include objects such as holy water, candles, scapulars (sacred garments), or crucifixes, which are blessed by a priest and used for devotional purposes. Sacramentales may also refer to certain rituals, such as blessings or processions, that are performed within the church or during religious celebrations.
While sacramentales are not sacraments in the strict sense, they are considered to be supplementary means of grace that can assist believers in their spiritual journey. They are seen as channels of God's blessings and protection, serving as a visible and tangible expression of the believer's connection to the divine.
Sacramentales can aid in nurturing personal devotion, promoting spiritual growth, and acquiring graces from God. They are believed to possess a certain efficacy through the prayer and blessing of the Church, and are seen as a way to invoke God's presence and protection.
Overall, sacramentales are an integral part of Catholic worship, offering believers a way to deepen their relationship with God and engage in acts of religious devotion.
