Sacramentals (CFC, 1578) : Litanies)

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SACRAMENTALS
(CFC, 1578)

Objects, actions, practices, places and the likes that help us become aware of
Christ’s grace-filled presence. Such are:

 Blessings (home, cars, buildings)


 Certain pious actions (kneeling, making the Sign of the Cross)
 Words (grace before & after meals, prayers, pious invocations,
litanies)
 Objects (ashes, palms, crucifixes, rosaries, scapulars, icons, images)
 Places (churches, shrines, cathedrals, basilicas, chapels)
 Liturgical seasons (Advent, Christmas, Ordinary, Lent, Easter)

They help us receive the sacraments with greater fruitfulness and prolong their
efficacy rendering holy various occasions in life.

CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS

Fish: the fish -- ever-watchful with its


unblinking eyes -- was one of the most important
symbols of Christ to the early Christians. In Greek,
the phrase, "Jesus Christ, Son of God Savior," is
"Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter." The first letters
of each of these Greek words, when put together,
spell "ichthys," the Greek word for "fish" (ICQUS ).
This symbol can be seen in the Sacraments Chapel
of the Catacombs of St. Callistus. Because of the
story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the fish
symbolized, too, the Eucharist (see stylized fish
symbol at right).

The earliest literary reference to the fish as Christian


symbol was made by Clement of Alexandria, who
advised Christians to use a dove or fish as their
seal. Tertullian wrote (in "De Baptismo") "But we,
being little fishes, as Jesus Christ is our great Fish,
begin our life in the water, and only while we abide
in the water are we safe and sound." Also used as a
Christian symbol was the dolphin, most often as a
symbol of the Christian himself rather than Christ,
though the dolphin was also used as a
representation of Christ -- most often in combination
with the anchor symbol ("Christ on the Cross").
Lamb: symbol of Christ as the Paschal Lamb and
also a symbol for Christians (as Christ is our
Shepherd and Peter was told to feed His sheep).
The lamb is also a symbol for St. Agnes (Feast Day
21 January), virgin martyr of the early Church.
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Dove: symbol of the Holy Ghost and used especially


in representations of our Lord's Baptism and the
Pentecost. It also symbolizes the release of the soul
in death, and is used to recall Noah's dove, a
harbinger of hope.
Ship: As those outside of Noah's Ark were
destroyed, the ship became a perfect early symbol
of the Church with its associations with "the barque
of Peter, the Fisherman." In the same vein, the main
part of a church's interior, the place where the
people worship, is called a "nave," from the Latin
"navis" -- ship. The Ark is also a symbol of the
Temple through its shape and purpose, both having
three levels, etc. And as a symbol of the Temple and
Church, it is a symbol of Mary, sealed off with pitch
and closed up by God Himself.
Rainbow: Sign of the Covenant with Noah. Its 7
colors (from the top down: red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo, and violet) recall the 7
Sacraments (7 is the sign of Covenant and
completion). In St. John's vision of Heaven, a
rainbow makes an appearance -- over the head of
the angel who gives John a book to eat (ch. 10), and
surroudning the throne of God:
Apocalypse 4:2-3 2
And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold there
was a throne set in heaven, and upon the throne
one sitting. And he that sat, was to the sight like the
jasper and the sardine stone; and there was a
rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an
emerald.
The Good Shepherd: Some of the earliest
depictions of Christ show Him as the Good
Shepherd. This type of representation is found in the
Catacombs.

Click to see a picture of The Good Shepherd from


the Priscilla Catacombs, and here to see a statue of
the Good Shepherd, dated ca. A.D. 225 (will open in
new browser windows).
Palm: victory and martyrdom. Palms are especially
made use of on Palm Sunday. The ashes of palms
used on Palm Sunday are later burned and used on
the next year's Ash Wednesday to symbolize
mortality and penance.
Turtledove: because of their reputation for taking
only one mate to whom they are faithful for life,
turtledoves are a symbol of Christian fidelity. They
are also known for their love of seclusion, a fact
mentioned by St. Augustine (City of God, Book 16,
chapter 24).

Rose: the Holy Faith, Our Lady, martyrdom, the


secrecy of penance. Five roses grouped together
symbolize the 5 Wounds of Christ.
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Cock: With the crowing of the cock, the robber calls


off his ambush; the morning star itself is awakened,
rises and lights up the sky; the anxious sailor sets
aside his cares, and very often each tempest and
storm whipped up by evening winds moderates. At
cockcrow the devout of mind rise eagerly to pray,
able once again to read the office. When the cock
crowed assiduously for the last time, Peter himself,
the rock of the Church, washed away his guilt, which
he had incurred by denying Christ before cockcrow.

With the crowing of the cock, as with the words of


Jesus, hope returns to everyone, the troubles of the
sick are eased, the pain of wounds is lessened, the
raging heat of fevers is moderated, faith is restored
to those who have fallen. Jesus watches over those
who falter, he corrects those who stray; in short, he
looked at Peter and immediately his sin went away,
his denial was put out of mind, his confession
followed.

Trefoil: a stylized shamrock, such as St. Patrick


used in evangelizing Ireland, the trefoil is a symbol
  of the Most Holy Trinity.
Quatrefoil: ubiquitous in Gothic architecture, the
quatrefoil symbolizes the four evangelists, as do the
Winged Man (Matthew), Lion (Mark), Ox (Luke), and
 
Eagle (John) -- the four beasts of Ezekiel and the
Apocalypse.
3 Nails: 3 nails symbolize the Crucifixion. They are
three in number because two nails were used to
secure Christ's Hands, and a third was used to
secure His Feet. The 3 nails are often combined
with other symbols, such as they are in the Jesuit
seal -- the letters IHS with the three nails
underneath, all surmounted by a Cross.
IHS: dating from the 8th c., this is an abbreviation
   
for "IHESUS," the way Christ's Name was spelled in
the Middle Ages (despite popular belief, the
monogram stands neither for "Iesus Hominum
Salvator" --"Jesus Saviour of Men" -- nor for "In His
Service.") Popularized by St. Bernardine of Siena,
the monogram was later used by St. Ignatius of
Loyola as a symbol for the Jesuit Order.

Egg: the egg is a wonderful symbol of birth and


rebirth, an apparently lifeless object out of which
comes life. Because of this, it is a symbol of Christ's
Resurrection and is seen most often at Easter. In
2006, a necropolis under the Vatican revealed an
infant who'd been buried holding an egg to
symbolize his parents' hope in his resurrection,
because of Christ's Resurrection.

Legend has it that St. Mary Magdalene went to


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Rome and met with the Emperor Tiberius to tell him


about the Resurrection of Jesus. She held out an
egg to him as a symbol of this, and he scoffed,
saying that a man could no more rise from the dead
than that egg that she held could turn scarlet. The
egg turned deep red in her hands, and this is the
origin of Easter eggs, and the reason why Mary
Magdalene is often portrayed holding a scarlet egg.

Another level of symbolism is that the egg


represents the Creation, the elements, and the world
itself, with the shell representing the firmament, the
vault of the sky where the fiery stars lie; the thin
membrane symbolizing air; the white symbolizing
the waters; and the yolk representing earth.
Keys: The Keys are the symbol of the authority of
the papacy and the Church's power to "bind and
loose" (Matthew 16:19 and Isaiah 22).

"Chi-Rho" or "sigla": the letters "X" and "P,"


representing the first letters of the title "Christos,"
were eventually put together to form this symbol for
  Christ ("Chi" is pronounced "Kie"). It is this form of
the Cross that Constantine saw in his vision along
with the Greek words, TOUTO NIKA, which are
rendered in Latin as "In hoc signo vinces" and which
mean "in this sign thou shalt conquer.
Alpha-Omega: Alpha, the first letter of the Greek
alphabet, and Omega, the last letter of the Greek
alphabet, became a symbol for Christ due to His
being called "the First and the Last." The roots of
symbolizing these attributes of God go back further,
all the way to the Old Testament where, in Exodus
34:6, God is said to be "full of Goodness and Truth."
The Hebrew spelling of the word "Truth" consists of
the 3 letters "Aleph," "Mem," and "Thaw" -- and
because "Aleph" and "Thaw" are the first and last
letters of the Hebrew alphabet, the ancients saw
mystical relevance in God's being referred to as
"Truth." At any rate, the Greek Alpha and Omega as
a symbol for Christ has been found in the
Catacombs, Christian signet rings, post-Constantine
coins, and the frescoes and mosaics of ancient
churches.
"Crux commissa" or "thau" or "tau": the T-
shaped cross is mentioned in the Old Testament
and is seen as a foreshadowing of the Cross of
Christ. Ezekiel 9:4:
And the Lord said to him: Go through the midst of
the city, through the midst of Jerusalem: and mark
Thau upon the foreheads of the men that sigh, and
mourn for all the abominations that are committed in
the midst thereof.

The Thau of Ezekiel was itself presaged by the


image of Moses' brazen serpent that he held up on a
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pole in Numbers 21:

And the Lord said to him: Make brazen serpent, and


set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck [by the
"fiery serpents"] shall look on it, shall live. Moses
therefore made a brazen serpent, and set it up for a
sign: which when they that were bitten looked upon,
they were healed.

If "Thau" was the true form of the Cross, the


existence of the titulus crucis (the plaque that bore
the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the
Jews") would have made the Cross at least appear
to be a "crux immissa" (see below), and there would
have had to have been enough of the upright post
over the arms on which to affix it. Nonetheless,
whether the "immissa" or commissa" was the true
form of the Cross, at the very least the Thau depicts
the Cross of Christ symbolically, and St. Francis of
Assisi took the Thau as the symbol of his Franciscan
Order.
"Crux immissa" or "Latin Cross": the most
common form of the Cross and believed to be of the
style on which Jesus died.
Byzantine Cross: used mostly by the Eastern
Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The
second cross-bar at top is for the INRI inscription;
the bottom cross-bar is His footrest.
Greek Cross: a very common artistic representation
of the Cross. Crosses such as this one and the Tau
were also popular because they were easily
disguised, an important feature for persecuted
Christians.
Jerusalem Cross: also called the "Crusaders'
Cross," it is made up of 5 Greek Crosses which are
said to symbolize a) the 5 Wounds of Christ; and/or
b) the 4 Gospels and the 4 corners of the earth (the
4 smaller crosses) and Christ Himself (the large
Cross). This Cross was a common symbol used
during the wars against Islamic aggression. (see
less stylized version at right)

Baptismal Cross: consisting of the Greek Cross


with the Greek letter "X", the first initial of the title
"Christ," this Cross is a symbol of regeneration,
hence, its association with Baptism
Graded Cross: this Cross, also known as the
"Calvary Cross," has 3 steps which represent  the
  three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity.
Evangelist's Cross: the 4 steps at the bottom of the
Cross stand for Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
 
"Crux decussata" ("decussated cross") or "St.
Andrew's Cross": called "decussated" because it
looks like the Roman Numeral "10" (decussis), it is
also called St. Andrew's Cross because St. Andrew
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was supposed to have been crucified on a cross of


this shape.
Celtic Cross ("the Cross of Iona"): stone crosses
in this form dot the landscapes of Ireland and
Scotland and are associated with the evangelization
  of these lands.
Peter's Cross: because when Peter was to be
martyred he chose to be crucified upside-down out
of respect for Christ, the upside-down Latin Cross
has become his symbol and, thereby, a symbol of
the papacy. Sadly, this cross has been co-opted by
Satanists whose purpose of "inverting" Christianity
(e.g. as in their Black 'Masses') is expressed by
taking the Latin Cross of Christ and inverting it.
Papal Cross: the three cross-bars represent the
Latin Pope's triple role as Bishop of Rome, Patriarch
of West, and successor of Peter, Chief of the
Apostles
Lorraine Cross: used by archbishops and
patriarchs. Also known as a "Caravaca Cross"
because of a miracle, involving a Patriarch's Cross,
that took place in Caravaca, Spain. See the page on
Crucifixes for more information.
5-point Star: the Star of Bethlehem; the 5 Wounds
of Christ. This symbol inverted, such that a single
point is at the bottom and two points are at the top,
is a Satanic symbol indicating a goat's head.

The Symbology of Numbers

1 the Undivided Oneness of God


2 the two natures of Christ; both the Divine and the material
3 the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity, the three Magi and their
gifts
4 the Evangelists and their Gospels; the elements, humors and material
world; North, South, East, and West; the four seasons
5 the Five Wounds; the senses
6 the days of creation; creation fallen; imperfection
7 covenant, oath; perfection; the day God rested (the Sabbath being the
sign of the Covenant with Adam); the seven colors the rainbow (a sign
of the Covenant made with Noe); the seven Sacraments (the
Covenant sign made with the Church); the Gifts of the Holy Ghost; the
virtues and vices
8 the visible world, made in seven days, with the invisible kingdom of
grace following; regeneration
9 man's imperfection; the choirs of Angels
10 the Commandments; the Plagues of Egypt
12 the tribes of Israel; the Apostles; the signs of the Zodiac; the hours of
the day and the hours of the night; the penetration of matter with spirit
(3 X 4)
13 betrayal; Judas
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33 the number of years of Jesus's human life


40 testing and trial; the years of the Deluge; the years of wandering in the
desert in Exodus; the days Moses spent on Mt. Sinai; Christ's days in
the desert
666 the number of the Beast. (Also 616 in some later manuscripts, a
number rejected by St. Irenaeas as a scribal error).
1000 the milennium -- the Church Age

LITURGICAL MUSIC
(CCC, 1156-1157)

The musical tradition of the Church is a treasure of inestimable value greater


than of any other art. The main reason for this is that, as a combination of
sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn
liturgy.

Song and music are closely connected with liturgical action. The criteria for
their proper use are the beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous
participation of the assembly, and the sacred character of the celebration.

SACRED IMAGES / ICONS


(CCC, 1192)

Sacred images in our churches and homes are intended to awaken and nourish
our faith in the mystery of Christ. Through the icon of Christ and his works of
salvation it is he whom we adore. Through the sacred images of the holy
Mother of God, of the angels and of the saints, we venerated the persons
represented.

SACRED ART
(CCC, 2502 & 2513)

Sacred art is true and beautiful when its form corresponds to its particular
vocation: evoking and glorifying, in faith and adoration, the transcendental
mystery of God – the surpassing invisible beauty of truth and love visible in
Christ, who “reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature,”
in whom “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”

This spiritual beauty of God is reflected in the most holy Virgin Mother of
God, the angels and saints. Genuine sacred art draws man to adoration, to
prayer and to the love of God, Creation and Savior, the Holy One and
Sanctifier.
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The sacred art are directed toward expressing in some way the infinite beauty
of God in works made by human hands. Their dedication to the increase of
God’s praise and of his glory is more complete, the more exclusively they are
devoted to turning men’s minds devoutly toward God.

POPULAR RELIGIOSITY
(CFC, 1579)

For the great mass of ordinary Filipino Catholics, it means some form of
devotion to the:

 Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), Ang Mahal Na Birhen (the most


numerous devotional practices in the Philippines.)
 Immaculate Concepcion (Manila Cathedral) – Patroness of the
Philippine Church
 Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Baclaran)
 Our Lady of Antipolo (Rizal) – or Our Lady of Peace & Good
Voyage
 La Naval in Leyte & Quezon Ave.
 Our Lady of Manaoag (Pangasinan) – or Our Lady of the
Most Holy Rosary (Santisimo Rosario)
 Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Naga, Bicol)

 Our Lady of Lourdes (France)


 Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal)
 Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico)

 Sacred Heart (Quezon City)


 Sto. Niño (Cebu, Tondo & Pandacan in Manila)
 Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo, Manila)
 St. Jude the Apostle (Mendiola, Manila)
 St. Anthony of Padua (Bustillos, Manila)

The Second Plenary Council of the Phil. (PCP II) has called for a renewal of
popular piety that involves critical and fervent use of popular Filipino
religious practices.

It warned that “our pastoral practice must ensure that the Catholic religion
does not become Mary, Saint or Angel-centered, but that it always remains
Christ-centered.

These are to be fostered in such a way that they do not distort authentic
Christian faith, rendering holy various occasions in life.

MARIAN DEVOTION IN THE LITURGY


(CFC, 1580-1583)
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Marian devotions are solidly grounded on Mary’s perfect fulfillment of her


unique God-given vocation as the Mother of God involved in the Mysteries of
Christ. Authentic Marian piety leads directly to Christ and the Blessed Trinity.

Devotion to the BVM can be said to be an integral element of Catholic


worship. The Post-Vatican II reform of the Church’s Liturgy made more
organic and closely-knit the commemoration of Christ’s Mother in the annual
cycle of the mysteries of her Son.

For Marian Solemnities are highlighted in the liturgical year:

 The Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Advent (Dec. 8)


 The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1)
 The Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25)
 The Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15) which is prolonged in
celebrating the Queenship of the BVM seven days later (August 22)

Various other Marian Feasts commemorate salvific events involving the


BVM:

 Nativity, Birthday of Mama Mary (September 8)


 Our Lady of Sorrows, Mater Dolorosa (September 15)
 Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7)
 Feast of the Presentation, La Candelaria (February 2)
 Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11)
 Visitation (May 31)
 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (July 16)
 Saturday Masses

Only God is adored and worshipped; the BVM (and the Angels & Saints) is
not worshipped but venerated within the Church’s liturgy and innumerable
devotions.

These devotions express profound veneration, intense love, trusting


invocation, loving service, wonder and study of the Virgin Mother of God.

Mary is the Model of the Church in prayer through:

 Her own Magnificat and life prayer


 Inspiring prayers of invocation and praise that related all to Christ and
salvation history

Popular Marian devotions and alleged “apparitions” can be purified renewed


and authenticated by bringing out Mary’s relationship to:
 Christ and the Blessed Trinity
 The Person and work of the Holy Spirit
 The Church, and its mission
 Today’s work for justice and preferential option for the poor

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