The Sacramentals

What They Are. What They Do

by Fr. Francis J. Connell, C.Ss.R., S.T.D.

The word sacramentals in its literal sense means related to the sacraments. Modern theologians use the term sacramentals in a more definite sense, to designate a class of sacred things, instituted by the Church, but in some respects similar to the sacraments. The Church has given official approval to this signification of the word by thus defining sacramentals in her Code of Canon Law: Things or actions which the Church is accustomed to use somewhat after the manner of sacraments, to obtain by her prayer, effects, especially those of the spiritual order.

Imprimatur, 1930.

What They Are. What They Do

by Fr. Francis J. Connell, C.Ss.R., S.T.D.

The word sacramentals in its literal sense means related to the sacraments. Modern theologians use the term sacramentals in a more definite sense, to designate a class of sacred things, instituted by the Church, but in some respects similar to the sacraments. The Church has given official approval to this signification of the word by thus defining sacramentals in her Code of Canon Law: Things or actions which the Church is accustomed to use somewhat after the manner of sacraments, to obtain by her prayer, effects, especially those of the spiritual order.

Imprimatur, 1930.