June 7, 2011. Bill Szydlowski
Jewel, by definition, is an artifact made of precious material – metal or precious stones – and that is used as personal adornment, or as personal adornment. This would be a classic definition.
The jewelry, however, have deeper meanings for us humans. When we decided to use a particular piece, it almost always has a special meaning in our lives. And when we decided to wear jewelry religious jewelry Catholic scapulars, this “special significance” is extended further. Let’s see why.
The first interesting feature is that most of the jewels that are used in the world right now, whether religious or not, were received jewelry as a gift. An engagement ring, graduation or a simple expression of affection, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, medals, pendants, chains, etc.. All these items are jewelry through which to demonstrate the love you have for your beloved. Give a gift of jewelry is a clear demonstration of love, care and affection special to the person who receives it. That’s why most jewelry have what we call “sentimental value.”
There is no money to pay the sentimental value of a jewel that won a spouse or a loved one. Almost always received these gems are stored in this for life and, not infrequently being passed on to descendants as a family inheritance remaining generations.
And if the jewelry in question is a religious jewelry, the sentimental value increases even more. This is because this type of jewelry, besides expressing love, care and affection to all jewelry, also demonstrates faith, devotion, religion, transcendence. A religious jewelry is an object made of precious material and has a meaning too precious.
• Jewelry Catholic religious
In this sense, the Catholic faith opens up possibilities that no other religion offers. Indeed, the use of Catholic jewelry is a custom among the ancient ecclesiastical authorities and among the faithful. And they are not used for mere ostentation. No. They are lined with big meanings.
We can cite, for example, rings and crosses worn by bishops and cardinals. The jewels are expressing much more than a material value. They express a spiritual value. They symbolize the great dignity of the ministry they exercise in the Church. This is not jewelry end in themselves. They are jewels that represent the dignity of a service to others.
Also, the jewelry worn by the Catholic faithful for centuries are vested with great sentimental value and spiritual. The most common are the chains with cross pendants, medals of saints of our devotion and scapulars ..
The cross is the highest symbol of Christianity. She reminds us that the eternal salvation was attained through Jesus, through His death on the cross. Once a symbol of shame and condemnation because of Jesus, the cross became a symbol of life and redemption. A precious symbol. Therefore, it is fair to use a cross as jewelry Catholic.An article of precious material, with meaningful and precious.
The pendants and medals with pictures of saints in the form of jewelry are also important symbols and a way to express our faith and devotion. A pendant of Our Lady of Fatima, for example, adorns, decorates and reminds Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Reminds purity, holiness, goodness, faith. It is an article made of precious material, which carries meanings precious.
The scapulars are sacramental, that is, signals. They do not have the efficacy of a sacrament, but remind us of our commitment to follow Jesus and the protection of God that is upon us.
The scapulars are especially linked to the sacramental devotion to Our Lady. They have their origin in religious orders, especially in the Carmelite Order. In the beginning, when there were more than seven centuries, they were the “aprons” that monks and nuns wore on their habits of work schedules. Gradually, they became smaller until they reach their current size. Today there scapulars that are true religious jewelry. The significance of them, however, remains the same: the protection of God and Our Lady and the commitment made in Christian baptism. If there is this awareness, we use the scapular in vain.
For all these reasons, religious jewelry become special jewels, filled with meaning and sentimental value. But beware. A jewel of a jewelry is different, though, at first sight, might seem to be mixed and match. A jewel has lasting value, weather-resistant. Hence she is “precious.” A jewel in turn, has the same quality material. Much less resist.So it’s jewelry. Therefore, there is precious.
Besides, if faith, devotion, or affection for a loved one are so important to us, it is justified to give jewelry as gifts, instead of jewelry.
The jewelry may be purchased by us for their own use, not only to be given as gifts. And when it comes to “religious jewelry,” we can say the same. Acquiring a religious jewelry that stands for something important for us is also good.It’s a way to demonstrate how important to ourselves is our devotion.
The monetary value of jewelry is another important factor and should not be ignored when talking about them.Usually the jewels are not cheap items. Sometimes require sacrifices by those who buy. The purchase of a jewel is an important event in anyone’s life. For those who are very rich, maybe not quite. But these are minority. For the vast majority of people, however, buy a piece of jewelry is a remarkable event. If it’s to give away, show, as I said, great affection for the person who will receive it. If it is for ourselves, shows the great importance that this symbol has given to us.
Religious jewelry, Catholic jewelry, Scapulars … They are precious gifts. They are gifts for life and not just a special moment. Are a demonstration of faith, trust, affection, love, devotion, commitment. Longstanding commitment to faith. Commitment should last more than a lifetime, as with jewels.
Updated June 7, 2011. Published February 18, 2011. Bill Szydlowski
