The Catechism teaches us that sacramentals are “holy things or actions of which the church makes use to obtain for us from God, through her intercession, spiritual and temporal favors.” A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the church to excite good thoughts and to help devotion. It is through the prayers of the church offered for those who make use of these sacramentals, as well as through the devotion they inspire, that they convey and obtain God’s grace and blessings.

Sacramentals are not unlike the sacraments in that they are channels of grace and can obtain for us these benefits: 

1) Actual graces
2) Forgiveness of venial sins
3) Remission of temporal punishment
4) Health of body and material blessings
5) Protection from evil spirits