SYMBOLS OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH

The Rosary
Rosary Beads are a roman catholic sacramental and marian devotion to prayer. The word “Rosary” is latin and means a “garland of roses.” The rose is also one of the flowers used to symbolise the Virgin Mary. The rosary beads are made up of a set number of prayers that are specific to the rosary. The prayers are, the apostles creed, our father, three hail Marys, and one glory be. The sequence of prayers goes, the Lords Prayer, the Hail Mary ten times, and the Glory Be to the Father which is also sometimes followed by the fatima prayer. Each sequence of the rosary is known as “a decade”

For many centuries the rosary has been promoted by several popes as part of the “veneration of Mary” which also represents the roman catholic emphasis on the participation in the life of Mary

The chalice
The Chalice is a standing cup used to hold sacramental wine during the eucharist, it is referred to in the gospels of Mathew, Mark and Luck. For example in the Gospel of Mathew 26:27 “and he took a cup and when he had given thanks he gave it to them saying ‘drink this, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. i tell you, i shall not drink again, of the fruit of the vine until i drink if new with you in my father kingdon.’”

The missal
A missal is a liturgy book containing all instructions and texts necessary for the celebration of the Mass throughout the year, the “missal” can also used for books that are for use not by the priest but by other people assisting the Mass, these can also be referred to as “hand missals” or “missalettes” The Missal includes scripture readings and can be used regular year celebrations Before the Missal itself was developed several books were used when celebrating Mass, including the Gradual (Texts mainly from the psamls) along with the Evangelary or Gospel Book, the epistolary with texts from other parts of the New Testament. These have now been condensed

The paschal candle
The paschal candle represents Christ, the light of the World. The Paschal candle is made up of pure beeswax which represents the sinless Christ who was formed in the womb of his Mother, The wick of the candle represents his humanity and the frame his divine nature, both soul and body. A new candle is blessed every easter.

The crucifix
The Crucifix is an image of Jesus on the cross with a representation of Jesus’ body. Its one of the main symbols for many different Christian groups, its extremely important in the Latin Church as well as the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. The Crucifix emphasises Jesus’ sacrifice he made for all of us. His death by crucifixion which is believed to brought about the redemption of mankind by the christians

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Catholics Online
• Wikipedia