Catholicism is rich with traditions that have been part of the faith for centuries. These customs often leave non-believers scratching their heads, wondering about their origins and meanings. Whether you’re curious or just looking to understand your Catholic friends a bit better, here are 19 customs explained.
The Sign of the Cross
One of the most visible Catholic customs is making the sign of the cross. U.S. Catholic explains that “it was not until the early Middle Ages…that the gesture comes into general use.” This movement, performed by touching the forehead, chest, and both shoulders, symbolizes the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s a way to invoke God’s blessing and protection.
Holy Water
Walking into a Catholic church, you might notice small fonts filled with water at the entrance – this is holy water that has been blessed by a priest. Followers of this faith dip their fingers into it and make the sign of the cross as a reminder of their baptism and to seek purification and protection.
Kneeling and Genuflecting
In places of worship, you’ll often see people kneeling or genuflecting (briefly kneeling on one knee) before entering a pew. This act of reverence acknowledges the presence of the Eucharist, believed to be the body of Christ, in the Tabernacle. For those unfamiliar with this practice, it can seem like a lot of up-and-down movement during Mass, but it’s a deeply respectful gesture within the faith.
The Rosary
The rosary is a string of beads used for prayer and meditation, particularly in honor of the Virgin Mary, and each bead represents a specific prayer, and the entire sequence is meant to guide the faithful through important events in the life of Jesus and Mary.
Confession
The idea of confessing sins to a priest might seem strange or even intimidating to non-Catholics; but in the sacrament of confession, worshipers admit their sins, express remorse, and receive absolution from the priest, who acts in the person of Christ. This practice is rooted in the belief in God’s mercy and the power of reconciliation, offering a chance to start anew with a clean slate.
Incense
During certain ceremonies, you might notice the use of incense, which is burned in a special holder called a thurible. The rising smoke symbolizes prayers ascending to heaven. The scent and sight of incense create a sensory experience that adds to the solemnity of the occasion.
The Eucharist
One of the most central and perhaps confusing aspects of Catholic worship is the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion. Followers believe that during Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ. This belief in transubstantiation is a profound mystery and a core element of the faith.
Feast Days
Catholics celebrate numerous feast days in honor of Jesus, Mary, and the saints, and these days often involve special Masses, prayers, and sometimes even festive meals. Each feast day commemorates a specific event or person important to the faith.
Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, people of the Catholic Church attend services where ashes are placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross; this public display of faith marks the beginning of a period of penance and reflection leading up to Easter. The sight of people walking around with smudged foreheads can be puzzling to those unfamiliar with this tradition.
Lent
Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many worshipers give up certain luxuries or adopt new spiritual practices during this time. The idea of self-denial and penance might seem odd to non-believers, but for the faithful, it’s a time to grow closer to God.
Palm Sunday
Commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday sees Catholics receiving blessed palm branches during Mass, which they often shape into crosses. This custom recalls the crowds who welcomed Jesus with palm branches. It’s a meaningful reminder of an important biblical event.
Good Friday
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus, and believers observe this day with solemn services and veneration of the cross; it’s furthermore a day of fasting and reflection on the sacrifice of Christ. The somber tone and the act of kissing or touching a wooden cross during the service can seem quite intense to others.
The Easter Vigil
A lengthy and elaborate service held on the night before Easter Sunday, the Easter Vigil begins in darkness, symbolizing the world’s state before Christ’s resurrection, and includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, readings, hymns, and the celebration of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist). It’s a service rich in symbolism.
Corpus Christi
The feast of Corpus Christi, meaning “Body of Christ,” celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist; many parishes hold processions where the consecrated host is carried in a monstrance, often accompanied by hymns and prayers. The procession and the ornate monstrance can seem unusual, but they highlight the central importance of the Eucharist in worship.
Relics
Catholics sometimes venerate relics, which are physical remains or personal effects of saints. These can range from bones to clothing and are believed to have spiritual significance. The idea of keeping and honoring these objects might seem strange or even macabre, when really they serve as a connection to the holy lives of the saints.
Scapulars
A scapular is a small devotional garment worn by some Catholics, consisting of two pieces of cloth connected by straps and worn over the shoulders. It’s a sign of a special devotion, often to the Virgin Mary. While it might look like a peculiar accessory, for the faithful, it represents a commitment to a life of faith.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross is a devotional practice that involves meditating on 14 events of Jesus’ passion and death, and many churches have a series of images or plaques depicting these events. Catholics often walk from one station to the next, praying and reflecting, to connect with Christ’s suffering.
Guardian Angels
Another custom is the belief in guardian angels, celestial beings assigned to protect and guide individuals. This belief includes praying to one’s guardian angel for help and protection, which might seem odd to non-religious people. But to Catholic people, it’s a comforting and inspiring aspect of spirituality.
The Pope
One final confusing custom can be that of the Pope himself; as the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, he holds a unique position. His role as the spiritual successor to Saint Peter, whom followers believe was appointed by Jesus himself, is a source of unity and authority—and for those outside the faith, this reverence can be hard to understand.
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