Catholic devotions are particular customs, rituals, and practices of worship ofGod or honour of the saints which are in addition to theliturgy of the Catholic Church, described as "expressions of love and fidelity that arise from the intersection of one's own faith, culture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ".[1] Devotions are not considered part of liturgical worship, even if they are performed in a church or led by a priest,[2] but rather they are paraliturgical. TheCongregation for Divine Worship at the Vatican publishes aDirectory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy.[3]
Catholic devotions have various forms, ranging from formalized, multi-day prayers such asnovenas to activities, such as processions or theEucharistic adoration,[4] the wearing ofscapulars,[5] theveneration of the saints, theCanonical coronations of sacred Marian or Christological images and even horticultural practices such as maintaining aMary garden.[6]
Common examples of Catholic devotions are theWay of the Cross, theRosary, theAngelus and variouslitanies, devotions to theBlessed Sacrament, theSacred Heart, theImmaculate Heart of Mary and theHoly Face of Jesus,pilgrimages, observing the month of the Rosary in October and the month of Mary in May.
In Catholic tradition, a wide range of practices have developed, ranging from devotions to theHoly Trinity to specific saints. The three-level hierarchy oflatria,hyperdulia anddulia determines the appropriate type of worship or veneration for different situations.[7]Latria (from theGreekλατρεία,latreia) is used for worship, adoration and reverence directed only to the Holy Trinity.[8]Dulia (from theGreekδουλεία,douleia) is the kind of honor given to the communion of saints, while theBlessed Virgin Mary is honored withhyperdulia, a higher form ofdulia but lower thanlatria.[9]
Since theMiddle Ages, popes have encouraged devotions such asEucharistic adoration, theRosary and theStations of the Cross, while maintaining the primacy of liturgy over private devotions.[10] Pious devotions have influenced some important parts of the Catholic calendar such as the feast ofCorpus Christi or variousMarian feasts that gradually appeared with the growth of devotions. Catholic devotions can form the basis of major community events, such as the statue ofOur 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.[11][12]
While the Catholic Church considers its formal liturgy to be central to the life and mission of the church, it acknowledges the role of popular devotions, stating in theSecond Vatican Council'sConstitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) that the church's spiritual life "is not limited solely to participation in the liturgy":[13]: Paragraph 12
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. Devotions proper toindividual Churches also have a special dignity if they are undertaken by mandate of the bishops according to customs or books lawfully approved. But these devotions should be so drawn up that they harmonize with theliturgical 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.[13]: Paragraph 13
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]
Various unapproved acts such as the promotion ofchain letters that contain prayers or the belief that the use of a statue ofSaint Joseph can speed up the sale of a house have been discouraged as non-pious,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]
A novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer to obtain a special grace, for a specific intention, or in preparation for a feast. It is often prayed to ask for God's help through the intercession of a saint.[15]
The practice of novenas traditionally 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] Early Christians observed a nine-day mourning period following the death of a loved one. Later, that tradition would be followed by a Mass offered for the repose of the soul. This practice continues today, as an example in the form of thenovemdiales, observed upon the death of a Pope. In the Middle Ages, especially inSpain andFrance, novenas were prayed before Christmas to symbolize Christ’s nine months in the womb, later evolving into devotions for feast preparation or seeking a saint’s intercession.[15]
The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit is traditionally prayed especially during the nine days between theAscension Thursday andPentecost.[17] It is generally prayed for an increase of theSeven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
TheNovena to the Holy Trinity generally includes theGloria Patri, although the other prayers may be used.[18]
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.[19]
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Several widespread devotions in the Catholic tradition relate toJesus Christ. Catholic teaching considers theEucharistic 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."[20][21] Often the Eucharistic adoration is performed for at least a full hour known as theHoly Hour[22][23] by some groups or individuals even daily. The inspiration for the Holy Hour isMatthew 26:40 when in theGarden of Gethsemane the night beforehis crucifixion, Jesus asks Peter: "So, could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?".[24]
Some devotions have the form ofActs of Reparation to Jesus Christ. Devotions to theSacred Heart of Jesus first appeared in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but most current devotions are attributed toMargaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690)[25] and were later encouraged byPope Pius XI in hisencyclicalMiserentissimus Redemptor.[26] These current devotions include theFeast of the Sacred Heart, theFirst Fridays devotion, theAct of Consecration to the Sacred Heart, the image of the Sacred Heart and theHoly Hour, which also originated from Alacoque's revelations.[25]
The devotion to theHoly Face of Jesus dates back toMary of Saint Peter in 1843 who reportedvisions of Jesus and Mary in which she was urged to spread both the devotion to the Holy Face and that of theHoly Name of Jesus in reparation for the many insults Jesus suffered in his Passion, resulting inThe Golden Arrow prayer.[27] The devotion was first approved by PopeLeo XIII in 1885,[28] and further promoted byMaria Pierina de Micheli based on the image fromSecondo Pia's photograph of theShroud of Turin.[29][30] In 1958,Pope Pius XII approved of the devotion and the Holy Face medal and granted that the Feast of theHoly Face of Jesus may be celebrated onShrove Tuesday throughout the Catholic Church.[31][32][33]
TheDivine Mercy devotion is based on the visions and revelations of Jesus Christ received by SaintFaustina Kowalska,[34] which she recorded in her personalDiary.[35] She said she was given the mission to spread this devotion throughout the world.[36] It seeks to proclaim and implore God’s mercy for all humanity through the merits ofChrist’s Passion and thepiercing of hisSacred Heart. Her writings led to the establishment of several forms of devotion to Divine Mercy, including theDivine Mercy Sunday,[37][38] theChaplet of the Divine Mercy[39] and theDivine Mercy image, theDivine Mercy Novena,[40] and theHour of Mercy.[41]
TheFirst Thursdays Devotion based on the visions ofAlexandrina of Balazar, and theChaplet of the Holy Wounds revealed toMarie Martha Chambon.
TheAngelus is a traditional prayer used to commemorate theIncarnation. It consists essentially in the triple repetition of the Hail Mary, to which in later times have been added three introductory versicles and a concluding versicle and prayer. The prayer is that which belongs to the antiphon of Our Lady, "Alma Redemptoris".[42] It is prayed three times daily: at dawn, mid-day and at dusk. The manner of ringing the Angelus—the triple stroke repeated three times, with a pause between each set of three (a total of nine strokes), sometimes followed by a longer peal as at curfew—seems to have been long established. During Eastertide, theAngelus is replaced with theRegina Coeli an antiphon, dating from the tenth or eleventh century.
TheRosary, or Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is essentially a contemplative prayer. Family recitation of the rosary is encouraged. In the encyclicalIngruentium 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."[43]
TheLitany of Loreto is the most well-known Marian litany.
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."[44]TheCatechism of the Catholic Church (item 957) states:[45]
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.
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 ofMay to the Blessed Virgin Mary[46] dates from about the seventeenth century.[47] Pious practices include the erection of a small "May altar" decorated with May flowers,[48] 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.[49] 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.
Devotions to theImmaculate Heart of Mary date back toBernard of Clairvaux, and was further developed and popularized by figures such asJohn Eudes andLouis de Montfort.[50][51]
In 1830, the reportedMarian apparitions toCatherine Labouré, played a significant role in promoting the devotion, particularly through the introduction of theMiraculous Medal, which features the thorn-crownedSacred Heart of Jesus and the piercedImmaculate Heart of Mary.[52] Many parishes hold a novena each Monday to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
During theMarian apparition of 13 July 1917, atFátima, the Virgin Mary is said to have requested theconsecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart,[53] and the practice of theFirst Saturdays Devotion as reparation forsins committed against her Heart.[54] According toLucia dos Santos, one of the Portuguese visionaries, these requests were later reiterated during further Marian apparitions, notably during thePontevedra apparitions in 1925 and 1926.[55][56] These reported apparitions contributed to the establishment of these particular devotions, and also personal consecrations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.[54]
Saturdays are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, designated as memorials of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This practice dates fromCarolingian times (ninth century).[57]
A Medieval devotion celebrated the three Golden Saturdays which followed the Feast of St. Michael (September 29). The golden Saturdays were observed with reception of the sacraments and festivities, especially at pilgrimage sites.[58]
The practice of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the First Saturday was initiated in Rovigo, Italy by Mary Inglese, aServite tertiary in 1889. It gained widespread diffusion after theMarian apparitions at Fátima in 1917, and thePontevedra apparitions in 1925 and 1926, where the Virgin Mary reportedly requested this devotion as part of her message. The practice developed into the currently known devotion of theFive First Saturdays.[54]
Specific episodes in the Life of the Virgin Mary have resulted in devotions that focus on a particular aspect of her life. Examples include theSeven Sorrows of Mary that recall her sufferings from the Prophecy ofSimeon to theCrucifixion of Jesus.[54]
TheSeven Joys of Mary on the other hand start with theAnnunciation and end with hercoronation in Heaven.[59]
Among devotional articles, probably the most common are thescapular ofOur Lady of Mount Carmel,[60][61] and theMiraculous Medal, which dates to 1830. AlsoScapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel and theScapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary
Regional devotions continue to generate local support such as festivals and celebrations. The festival ofOur Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga in the Philippines has been celebrated for centuries, and its icon continues to be venerated.[62] Each year aroundPentecost, as part of a local Marian devotion, about a million people attend theRomería de El Rocío in Spain.[63] InLos 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.[64]
Traditions vary across different cultures. Italians, for example, have a strong devotion toAnthony of Padua. TheTredicina refers to a thirteen-day Novena that takes places in preparation for the Feast of Saint Anthony on June 13.[65]
There are a number of devotional practices in honor ofSaint Joseph; these include thePrayer to Saint Joseph and theNovena to Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph's scapular was approved by PopeLeo XIII in 1893.[66]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 forcarrying 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.[67] Further devotions are the seven joys and seven sorrows of Saint Joseph, analogous to theseven joys andseven sorrows of the Virgin, and private devotions such as that to the mostChaste Heart of Joseph.[68]
Devotions to the archangelSaint Michael involve specific prayers andNovenas to Saint Michael, hymns such asTe Splendor as well as theScapular of Saint Michael the Archangel and theChaplet of Saint Michael. ThePrayer to Saint Michael is also a popular prayer, composed by PopeLeo XIII.[69]
Devotions to Saint George are also widely practiced by Catholics, given that he is one of the most popular saints in Christianity.[70] These devotions and churches built in his honor date to the 6th century.[71]
Many other devotions to saints exist, such as theNovena of Grace addressed toFrancis Xavier and theCord of Saint Francis associated withFrancis of Assisi.
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