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Compendium of Sacramentals: Encyclopedia of the Church's Blessings, Signs, and Devotions

Compendium of Sacramentals: Encyclopedia of the Church's Blessings, Signs, and Devotions

$59.95 USD
$59.95 USD
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Compendium of Sacramentals

By Shaun McAfee · Published by TAN Books

Overview

The Catholic Faith possesses an infinite treasury of devotions, prayers, and sacred rituals designed to draw us into deeper spiritual life. Among these spiritual gifts, sacramentals hold a unique and vital place in the lives of all who seek God’s grace. From rosaries and crucifixes to medals, relics, bells, candles, blessed salt, and scapulars, these holy signs—when woven into our everyday lives—sanctify our environments and better prepare us to “receive the fruit of the sacraments” (CCC 1677).

 

In Compendium of Sacramentals, author Shaun McAfee provides a comprehensive, accessible, and deeply theological guide to these sacred tools. Whether you are seeking to understand the history behind a specific devotional item or want to incorporate traditional blessings into your household, this masterwork bridges ancient Church history, scriptural foundations, and practical daily application.

What You'll Discover

  • The Three Groups of Sacramentals: Clear distinctions between the Church’s three primary forms: sacred blessings, solemn exorcisms, and pious devotions.
  • History & Spiritual Realities: The scriptural roots, development, and supernatural reality behind each sacramental object and practice.
  • Disposing the Soul for Grace: How sacramentals act as chief instruments in preparing Christians to fruitfully receive the Seven Sacraments.
  • Apologetics & Defense: Useful, scripture-backed arguments for defending each sacramental against both historical and contemporary objections.
  • Wisdom from the Saints: Moving insights from popes, doctors of the Church, Church Fathers, and theologians on incorporating sacramentals into everyday life.
  • Practical Guidance: In-depth instructions and best practices for practicing devotions—both familiar and lesser-known.

Sanctify Your Everyday Life

 

Sacramentals are not mere symbols or superstitious talismans, but sacred channels instituted by the Church to extend the sanctifying power of the Sacraments into every aspect of daily routine. From protecting your family with holy water to carrying a blessed scapular or medal, this compendium equips you to wield these visible signs of invisible grace in daily spiritual warfare.

 

Intended Audience

For converts seeking to fully immerse themselves in their newfound faith, as well as lifelong Catholics wanting to revitalize their devotional life, Compendium of Sacramentals is an essential, lifelong reference guide for home libraries, OCIA/RCIA classes, and spiritual direction.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Sacrament and a sacramental?
Sacraments were instituted directly by Jesus Christ to confer sanctifying grace of themselves (ex opere operato). Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church that dispose the soul to receive grace and sanctify various settings in Christian life.

 

Does this book cover both popular and obscure sacramentals?
Yes. The compendium explains widely known sacramentals such as the Rosary, Miraculous Medal, and Brown Scapular, as well as lesser-known blessings, blessed salt, bells, candles, and traditional pious practices.

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