Br. Raymond La Grange, O.P., on Treating Holy Objects with Reverential Care

"This year, I am assigned to work in the sacristy, wherein we look after everything that is used in the liturgy. We do everything from setting up for Mass, to cleaning objects that I never knew the name of before (like a situla), to replacing many of the candles we use throughout the priory. It is an interesting job; being closely involved with the liturgy is at times demanding, but very rewarding.

"One thing that surprised me is the particular care we must take in handling all the sacred vessels and blessed objects with which we work. They have to be treated with a certain respect. For example, we melt down blessed candles before disposing of them, the same way that you would burn an American flag to dispose of it. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Raymond La Grange, O.P., reflected on the good reasons for treating holy objects with care and on the witness this care provides in a "rationalistic world that often ignores the divine presence and fails to see how matter can point to anything beyond itself."

To access Br. Raymond's complete post, please visit:

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