Catholic devotions

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(Redirected from
Catholic devotion
)
For devotions in the Eastern Catholic Churches, refer to the articles on the individual Churches or the corresponding Orthodox Churches.
The Corpus Christi procession in Łowicz

Catholic devotions are particular customs, rituals, and practices of worship of God or honour of the saints which are in addition to the

Congregation for Divine Worship at the Vatican publishes a Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy.[3]

Catholic devotions have various forms, ranging from formalized, multi-day prayers such as novenas to activities, such as processions or the Eucharistic adoration,[4] the wearing of scapulars,[5] the veneration of the saints, the Canonical coronations of sacred Marian or Christological images and even horticultural practices such as maintaining a Mary garden.[6]

Common examples of Catholic devotions are the

pilgrimages
, observing the month of the Rosary in October and the month of Mary in May.

Background

While the Catholic Church considers liturgy to be central to the life and mission of the church, it acknowledges the benefit of popular devotions, stating in Sacrosanctum Concilium that

The spiritual life, however, is not limited solely to participation in the liturgy … Popular devotions of the Christian people are to be highly commended, provided they accord with the laws and norms of the Church, above all when they are ordered by the Apostolic See … These devotions should be so drawn up that they harmonize with the liturgical seasons, accord with the sacred liturgy, are in some fashion derived from it, and lead the people to it, since, in fact, the liturgy by its very nature far surpasses any of them.[7]

Several factors shape the efficacy of devotional practices in eliciting feelings of devotion: a strong emotional appeal, a simplicity of form which puts them within the reach of all, the association with many others engaged in the same practices, and their derivation from the example of others considered to lead a holy life.[5]

Since the

Marian feasts that gradually appeared with the growth of devotions. Catholic devotions can form the basis of major community events, such as the statue of Our Lady of Zapopan, which attracts over one million pilgrims on October 12 each year as the statue travels through the streets moving from one cathedral to another.[9][10]

In Catholic tradition, a wide range of practices have developed, ranging from devotions to the

Blessed Virgin Mary is honored with hyperdulia, a higher form of dulia but lower than latria.[13]

Various unapproved acts such as the promotion of

superstitious and against Catholic values. In general, acts and beliefs that aim at the manipulation of divine power for specific gainful purposes are always condemned as contrary to Catholic devotional practices.[14]

Novenas

Main article: Novena

The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit is traditionally prayed especially during the nine days between the

Ascension Thursday and Pentecost.[15] The practice of novenas derives from the nine days spent in prayer by the Apostles and Disciples together with Mary from the Ascension until the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This is considered to have been the first novena.[16] It is generally prayed for an increase of the Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
.

The Novena to the Holy Trinity generally includes the Gloria Patri, although the other prayers may be used.[17]

Another pious practice is St. Andrew's Christmas Novena. It is not prayed to Saint Andrew, but commences on his feast day, November 30 and continues until Christmas.[18]

Devotions to Jesus Christ

Part of a series on
Devotions to Jesus
in the Catholic Church
Christ in Majesty
Devotions
Prayers
icon Catholic Church portal
Main article:
Roman Catholic devotions to Jesus Christ

Several widespread devotions in the Catholic tradition relate to

Jesus Christ. Catholic teaching considers the Eucharistic adoration an important practice which "stimulates the faithful to an awareness of the marvelous presence of Christ and is an invitation to spiritual communion with Him."[19][20] Often the Eucharistic adoration is performed for at least a full hour known as the Holy Hour.,[21][22] by some groups or individuals even daily. The inspiration for the Holy Hour is Matthew 26:40 when in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion, Jesus asks Peter: "So, could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?".[23]

Some devotions have the form of

Sacred Heart of Jesus first appeared in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but most current devotions are attributed to Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690)[25] and was later encouraged by Pope Pius XI in Miserentissimus Redemptor.[26]

The devotion to the

Maria Pierina de Micheli based on the image from Secondo Pia's photograph of the Shroud of Turin.[29][30] In 1958, Pope Pius XII approved of the devotion and the Holy Face medal and granted that the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus may be celebrated on Shrove Tuesday throughout the Catholic Church.[31][32][33]

Other devotions include the

Marie Martha Chambon
.

Prayers

Angelus, Jean-François Millet

The

Regina Coeli
an antiphon, dating from the tenth or eleventh century.

The Rosary, or Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary is essentially a contemplative prayer. Family recitation of the rosary is encouraged. In the encyclical Ingruentium malorum, Pope Pius XII said regarding the custom of the family recitation of the Holy Rosary:

...when, at eventide, the Christian home resounds with the frequent repetition of praises in honor of the High Queen of Heaven...Then the Rosary, recited in the family,...unites them piously with those absent and those dead. It links all more tightly in a sweet bond of love, with the most Holy Virgin, who, like a loving mother, in the circle of her children, will be there bestowing upon them an abundance of the gifts of concord and family peace.[38]

The

Litany of Loreto
is the most well-known Marian litany.

Devotions to saints

Through their prayers of intercession, the saints in heaven play an integral role in the life of the church on earth.[1] "To honor the Saints is automatically to honor God, the Author of their sanctity."[39] The Catechism of the Catholic Church (item 957) states:[40]

It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ.

The month of May

Many devotions and pious exercises are in some way related to the liturgical feasts of the General Calendar of the Roman Rite or of the particular calendars of dioceses and religious congregations. Dedication of the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary[41] dates from about the seventeenth century.[42] Pious practices include the erection of a small "May altar" decorated with May flowers,[43] a custom that stems from southern European countries. Parishes and private groups often crown an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with flowers. This is referred to as a “May crowning.” This rite may be done on solemnities and feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other festive days, and offers an opportunity to reflect on Mary's role in the history of salvation.[44] In some countries, it takes place on or about May 1, however, in many United States Catholic parishes, it frequently takes place on Mother's Day.

Part of a series on the
Mariology
of the Catholic Church
Immaculate Conception
Immaculate Conception by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (c. 1675)
Overview
Titles of Mary
hymns
Devotional practices
Movements and societies
Apparitions
Approved, with widespread liturgical
veneration endorsed by the Holy See:
Key Marian feast days
Catholicism portal

Saturdays

Carolingian times (ninth century).[45]

Other Marian devotions

Specific episodes in the Life of the Virgin Mary have resulted in devotions that focus on a particular aspect of her life. Examples include the

Seven Joys of Mary on the other hand start with the Annunciation and end with her coronation in Heaven.[48]

Among devotional articles, probably the most common are the

Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary

Regional devotions continue to generate local support such as festivals and celebrations. The festival of

Los Angeles, California, an old custom of a Marian procession was revived in 2011 to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the city. Various chivalric, fraternal, and religious orders, parishes, and other religious and civic organizations participate.[53]

Traditions vary across different cultures. Italians, for example, have a strong devotion to Anthony of Padua. The Tredicina refers to a thirteen-day Novena that takes places in preparation for the Feast of Saint Anthony on June 13.[54]

There are a number of devotional practices in honor of

Leo XIII in 1893.[55] Saint Joseph's Medal is a sacramental introduced in 1971 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Saint Joseph being declared the patron of the Catholic Church. A number of local devotions and customs to Saint Joseph exist around the world, e.g. Alpine regions, Josephstragen (German for carrying Saint Joseph) takes place on the 9 days before Christmas. A statue of Saint Joseph is carried between 9 homes, and on the first day one boy prays to him, on the second day two boys pray, until 9 boys pray the 9th day. The statue is then placed near a manger in the town church on Christmas Eve.[56]

Devotions to the archangel

Leo XIII.[57]

Devotions to Saint George are also widely practiced by Catholics, given that he is one of the most popular saints in Christianity.[58] These devotions and churches built in his honor date to the 6th century.[59]

Many other devotions to saints exist, such as the Novena of Grace addressed to Francis Xavier and the Cord of Saint Francis associated with Francis of Assisi.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Prayers and Devotions". www.usccb.org. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  2. ^ "Liturgical Chant". www.newadvent.org. Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  3. ^ "Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy". Vatican City: Congregation for Divine Worship. December 2001. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012.
  4. ^ Ball 2003, p. 11.
  5. ^ a b Thurston, Herbert. "Popular Devotions." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 12. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 26 May 2021 Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  6. ^ Ball 2003, p. 341.
  7. ^ Sacrosanctum Concilium, 13, Vatican City, December 4, 1963 Archived February 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Vatican Directory of Devotions §11 Archived June 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ISBN 1-57181-533-3
  10. ISBN 0-679-03249-5
    page 242
  11. ISBN 0-521-02949-X
    pages 40-45
  12. ^ Cabrol, Fernand. "Christian Worship." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 26 May 2021 Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  13. ISBN 1-60206-558-6
    page1633
  14. ISBN 0-87973-910-X
    pages 1-16
  15. ^ Sis, Michael. Pentecost Novena, The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo
  16. ^ "Preparing for Pentecost: Novena to the Holy Spirit", Capuchin Franciscans, Province of Ireland
  17. ^ Ball 2003, p. 392.
  18. ^ "St. Andrew's Christmas Novena", Dominican Nuns of Summit, New Jersey
  19. ^ Stravinskas 1998, p. 409.
  20. ^ "Sacred Congregation of Rites". www.ewtn.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-14. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  21. ISBN 0-9706526-6-6
    pages 107-108
  22. ^ "24 Reasons for Spending a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament".
  23. ^ Stravinskas 1998, p. 498.
  24. ^ Ball 2003.
  25. ^ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus". www.newadvent.org. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  26. ^ Pope Pius XI. "Miserentissimus Redemptor". vatican.va. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  27. ^ "THE GOLDEN ARROW HOLY FACE DEVOTION". www.catholictradition.org. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  28. ISBN 0879737018
  29. ^ "Angelus, 30 May 2010, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity | BENEDICT XVI". w2.vatican.va. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  30. ^ "Holy Face nun beatified, remembered by Pope Benedict XVI". Catholic News Agency. May 30, 2010.
  31. ISBN 1-931709-77-7
  32. ^ "Holy Face Timeline". www.holyfacedevotion.com. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  33. ^ McDermott, Terry (2015-02-17). "Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus « Catholic Insight". Catholic Insight. Archived from the original on 2019-04-02. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  34. ISBN 0-86012-383-9
    page 251
  35. ^ Stravinskas 1998, p. 428.
  36. ^ White 2003, p. 35.
  37. ^ Thurston, Herbert. "Angelus." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 27 April 2020Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  38. ^ Pope Pius XII. Ingruentium malorum, §13, 15 September 1951. Libreria Editrice Vaticana
  39. ^ ""Catholic Devotion To The Saints", Dominican Friars in Chicago". Archived from the original on 2021-03-16. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
  40. ^ "Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Communion of Saints". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  41. ISBN 0-87973-579-1
    p. 483
  42. ^ Thurston, Herbert. "Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912]Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  43. ISBN 0-8294-2584-5
  44. ^ Lewis, Suzaanne M. "Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary", Pastoral Liturgy
  45. ^ Frisk, M. Jean. "Saturday Devotions in Honor of Our Lady", Marian Library, University of Dayton
  46. ^ "Theology of the Alliance of the Two Hearts- MSGR. Calkins".
  47. ^ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Raccolta". Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  48. ^ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Scapular". Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  49. ISBN 978-1-57958-282-1
  50. ^ Aluit, Alphonso J., The Galleon guide to Philippine festivals, 1969 ASIN B004CWODBO p. 97
  51. ^ El Rocío, Rough Guide to Spain. Retrieved 2010-04-14. Archived July 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  52. ^ http://www.thequeenofangels.com/wp-content/media/tidings-online20110906.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  53. ^ "Traditional Devotions", Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua
  54. ^ Ball 2003, p. 576.
  55. ^ Ball 2003, p. 275.
  56. ISBN 0-9706526-6-6
    page 340
  57. ISBN 978-1-57607-089-5
  58. ISBN 90-04-09691-4

Sources

Further reading

External links
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Catholic_devotions&oldid=1193356443"