Sacramentals are objects or actions within the Catholic Church that are considered to be sacred or holy and are used to enhance the spiritual life of believers. Unlike sacraments, which are specific rituals established by Jesus Christ, sacramentals are not essential for salvation but are instead seen as signposts that point believers towards God's grace and invite them to participate more fully in the life of the Church.
Examples of sacramentals include icons, crucifixes, holy water, ashes, religious medals, incense, blessed oils, and scapulars. These objects are imbued with symbols and spiritual significance, and their use is accompanied by prayers and blessings. When used with faith and devotion, sacramentals are believed to possess the power to protect against spiritual harm, ward off evil, and impart blessings, graces, and virtues.
Sacramentals can be seen as tangible reminders of God's presence, love, and mercy, helping believers to focus their thoughts and prayers, deepen their faith, and cultivate a closer relationship with God and the Church. They serve as a means of expressing and strengthening one's personal devotion and can be used in private prayer, meditation, or as aids during public worship.
It is important to note that while sacramentals do hold significance and are recognized as important within the Catholic faith, they are not to be confused with sacraments. Sacraments, such as baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation, are integral to the Church's saving mission and are considered to confer God's grace directly. Sacramentals, on the other hand, are supplementary practices and objects that accompany the sacraments but do not have the same salvific power.
