Reader Question: What Does It Mean to Bless Objects?

A reader writes:

How does a Catholic describe to non-Catholics the meaning or point of blessing objects and owning blessed objects?

This is a great question. Many non-Catholics look with suspicion upon the blessing of objects, or even the treating of objects as blessed. In the case of statues or icons, they may even regard it as a form of idolatry, forbidden by the First Commandment. At best, they often think of it as superstition.

But what exactly does it mean to bless objects? And what is the purpose in doing so? In his Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon, S.J., defines blessing (in this sense) as the "dedication of a person or thing to God's service."

That's a great way to think about what we're doing when, for instance, we bless an Advent wreath. It's not that our action magically makes it holy; it's the fact that the object is now dedicated to God's service. We value it more because of that.

Having blessed objects in our homes and offices also serves to draw our thoughts toward God. A good way to explain that to a non-Catholic is to mention personal mementos. All of us have some item that we value because it reminds us of someone else--a parent or grandparent, say, or a dear departed friend. Or perhaps it's an item that's been in the family for many generations. In any case, we know that, on a purely material level, that such an item can be replaced; yet, if it were, something would be lost.

That's how Catholics view blessed items. They draw us closer to God, to Whom they are dedicated; and because of that, they have a value that is greater than--and different from--their replacement value.

If you have a question that you would like to have featured in our Friday "Reader Questions" series, send me an e-mail at catholicism.guide@about.com. Be sure to put "QUESTION" in the subject line, and please note whether you'd like me to address it privately or on the Catholicism blog.