The Sacramentals

Definition of a Sacramental

According to Fr. Ralph Weimann, a sacramental is “a sacred sign that, in imitation of the sacraments, signifies spiritual effects which are obtained through the intercession of the Church.” What does that mean? A sacramental, therefore, is a holy sign or action through which we, in the Church, touch ordinary life with the grace, protection, and presence of God, helping our hearts open to what the sacraments give in fullness.

It is a way in which the invisible becomes gently visible, a blessed object, a prayer, a gesture, a moment—that prepares the soul to encounter God more deeply. Sacramentals do not work like magic or automatic rituals; they work through faith, intention, and the Church’s prayer, whispering grace into the everyday, like a doorway through which God’s light enters the small moments of our lives.

I am a person of poetry, so I would like to express it as follows:

A sacramental is a small doorway of grace—
a blessed sign, a touch, a whispered prayer—
through which heaven leans close to the earth.

It is the Church placing gentle light in our hands,
so that ordinary things may shimmer
with the nearness of God.

Sacramentals invite grace;
opening the heart, steadying the soul,
and awakening the quiet places
where Christ is already waiting.

In these simple signs,
the unseen becomes felt,
the holy becomes near,
and the everyday is softened
by the touch of the Eternal.

Main Types of Sacramentals

1. Blessings

Sacred prayers asking God’s favour, protection, or sanctification over people, objects, or places.

2. Consecrations & Dedications

Acts that set persons, objects, or places apart exclusively for God and sacred use.

3. Objects Used as Sacramentals

Blessed items that serve as signs of faith, protection, and devotion.

4. Actions & Devotional Practices

Gestures or prayer traditions that express faith, invoke grace, and prepare the heart for the sacraments.

5. Rites Resembling the Sacraments

Non-sacramental rites that accompany major life moments and extend pastoral care.

Descriptions of Each Type

1. Blessings

• General Blessings – Broad prayers invoking God’s protection and favour.
• Special Blessings – Targeted prayers for particular needs.
• Simple Exorcisms – Prayers for liberation from evil.

Examples of Blessings Offered:

• Blessing of apartments/new homes.
• Blessing of offices & workplaces.
• Blessing of vehicles.
• Blessing before travel.
• Blessing of medals, crucifixes, rosaries, and icons/holy images.
• Blessing of candles.
• Blessing of holy water, oil, and salt.
• Blessing of pets (St. Francis tradition).
• Blessings of couples who are engaged to be married.

2. Consecrations & Dedications

• Consecration of Persons—Setting individuals apart for God’s service (e.g. a nun or monk).
• Consecration of Objects – Dedicating chalices, altars, and churches.
• Dedication of Homes/Places – Invoking God’s presence in dwellings and workplaces.

3. Objects Used as Sacramentals

• Holy Water – Reminds of baptism and brings protection.
• Blessed Salt—Symbol of purification and healing.
• Crucifixes and Crosses—Signs of Christ’s Saving Love.
• Rosaries—Tools for prayer and meditation.
• Medals and Scapulars—Signs of devotion and protection.
• Blessed Candles—Symbols of Christ as Light.

4. Actions & Devotional Practices

• Sign of the Cross – Invocation of the Trinity.
• Sprinkling with Holy Water—Renewal of baptismal grace.
• Processions—public expressions of faith.
• Stations of the Cross – Meditation on Christ’s Passion.
• Litanies and Novenas—Structured devotional prayer.

5. Rites Resembling the Sacraments

• Blessing of the Sick – Prayer for healing.
• Blessing of Expectant Mothers – Invoking God’s care.
• Funeral Blessings—Commending the deceased and consoling the grieving.

Why We Should Make Use Of Sacramentals

You might be wondering, why should we make use of the sacramentals? I think the answer lies in the following:

• Sacramentals help us stay aware of God’s presence in daily life.
• They prepare our hearts to receive the grace of the sacraments.
• They bring blessing, protection, and spiritual comfort.
• They remind us that the ordinary world is touched by the holy.
• They strengthen our faith through simple, tangible signs.
• They help us resist spiritual negativity and draw closer to Christ.
• They connect our daily routines with the prayer of the Church.
• They open small doorways for grace to enter ordinary moments.

To access any of the sacramentals, please contact Father Eugene-Joshua Mouton:

✉️ ejmouton@stpatrick.co.za

📞 068 947 0418