Expert: Fr. Michael - 11/19/2010

Question
I have finally decided to leave the New rite recently, (my set date for final novus Ordo is January 1 2011), anyway, I am trying to de Novus Ordoize.

I have the followinging items and devotions that I am wondering what to do with.

Holy Oils, given to me by a Russian Orthodox priest as a sacremental, (not a sacrement)

a copy of the wanderer Newspaper

a copy of the 7 sorrows of St. Joseph devotion
a copy of the Eastern Akathistos to the Virgin Mary
and the O antiphons.

What should be done with these?

Jason

Answer
      Material Sacramentals are essentially devotional items, particularly those blessed items, such as holy water, holy cards, bibles and missals, rosaries, etc.

       When a sacramental, particularly a blessed sacramental, becomes so worn that it can no longer be used decorously, the sacramental should, as much as possible, be returned to the earthly elements:  earth, air, fire, or water.  Excess Holy Water, for example, can be poured into a suitable spot of earth, such as a garden.  Excess incense can be burned into the air.  A holy
card or book can be burned.  Excess blessed ashes can be poured into a body of water, such as a lake or ocean.

       If such disposal is not convenient, at least the sacramental should be altered so that its form no longer appears to be a sacramental.  For instance, a holy card can be torn into pieces and then disposed of.  A statue can be broken into small pieces and then disposed of.