Dear Catholic Exchange:
I have a 4-way cross/medal that I was told is the combination of a miraculous medal and the brown scapular. Is this true? I wanted to wear both the miraculous medal and the brown scapular and they kept getting tangled so we all started wearing the 4-way cross, but now I can't find the facts to back up this assumption.
I'm 40 and much of my generation really doesn't know their Faith. We were raised in the 70's and truly the Church was going through a trying time and even though I attended Catholic grammar school, I never knew of Eucharistic Adoration, many novenas, etc. My husband and I went through Pre-Cana and it was never mentioned that contraception was immoral, etc. I was wondering why our priests don't use the time at the pulpit to educate the parishioners of today on our Faith. It seems to me there is much we can learn and instead of hearing some story about Aunt Edna, it would be nice to hear the meat of our Faith. If our priests' job is to lead us to heaven, why aren't they touching on what is expected of us? Surely if the children of today are inspired with our Faith at Church and at home we would have many more vocations. Why aren't we all encouraged to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration? It's something I never hear at Mass.
Thank you,
Mrs. Woltornist
Dear Mrs. Woltornist,
Peace in Christ!
The four-way medal is four medals in one: The Sacred Heart at the top; St. Christopher on the right; Miraculous at the bottom; and St. Joseph on the left. The origin of the medal is unknown, but one can surmise that the wearing of the four medals cast separately was viewed as less desirable than wearing the four cast together. Please note that this medal does not include the scapular, which is a separate devotion.
Because the four-way medal is basically the four medals, the promises attached to wearing it would be the same as the promises attached to wearing each of the four separately.
Regarding your second question, we agree that there is a deficiency in catechesis in the Church throughout many parts of the United States. While we cannot comment about your particular parish or diocese regarding why certain elements of the faith do not appear in homilies, there are some general considerations. Because attendance at an average Mass represents a broad spectrum of catechetical formation, some priests find it appropriate to deliver a message that will reach the broadest brush of the audience, even if the message may not be challenging to many of the congregants. Very often, a priest’s approach to catechesis and pious devotions is reflective of his seminary formation and/or the example of the diocesan bishop.
The teaching Church strongly encourages the faithful to participate in Eucharistic adoration. For example, in his 2003 Encyclical Letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II said, “The worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass is of inestimable value for the life of the Church. It is the responsibility of Pastors to encourage, also by their personal witness, the practice of Eucharistic adoration, and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in particular” (no. 25).
Furthermore, the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the recently issued Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church demonstrate that the Church’s Magisterium is very interested in catechizing the faithful. If you do not already have these resources, you may want to obtain them for your own edification as well as for sharing with others.
On a practical level, a constructive approach might involve listening intently to your pastor’s homilies and recognizing that which is true and good. You may want to then thank Father for what is edifying in his homilies and perhaps suggest to him some teachings that you might like to hear in the future. If you know others who share your feelings, you may want to ask them to provide your pastor with the same kind of encouragement.
United in Faith,
Pete Balbirnie
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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