Dear Catholic Exchange:
What are we supposed to do with old worn out scapulars? Do we burn them?
Mary
Dear Mary,
Peace in Christ!
Blessed objects are properly disposed of either by burning or by burial. Canon 1171 of the Code of Canon Law states the following:
“Sacred objects, set aside for divine worship by dedication or blessing, are to be treated with reverence. They are not to be made over to secular or inappropriate use, even though they may belong to private persons.”
While this canon does not specifically state how blessed objects are to be disposed of, it states that such objects should be treated with reverence. Accordingly, following the tradition of our ancestors, broken objects, worn out objects, torn liturgical clothing, etc. should be buried or burned as the means of disposal.
The Paschal Candle, for example, is a blessed object. A Paschal Candle’s primary purpose is to be burned, so its primary means of disposal should be burning it down. When the object is no longer in a recognizable shape (for example, a candle is no longer recognizable as a candle) you may dispose of it as any other object.
United in the Faith,
Eric Stoutz
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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