We are often asked whether our bracelets are blessed. The answer is no, and gladly so. Every Cor Meum bracelet is sent to you unblessed, ready to be blessed by a priest in your own parish. Here is why, and how easy it is to ask.
Why we do not sell blessed items
A blessing is a gift of the Church, and it cannot be bought or sold. Selling a blessing, or charging more for an object because it has been blessed, would treat a holy thing as merchandise. Traditional teaching also holds that a blessed article loses its blessing if it is sold.
So we make the bracelet, and the Church gives the blessing. It is a small way of keeping holy things holy.
What a blessing does
When a priest blesses a religious article, it becomes a sacramental: a sacred sign, set apart for God, that disposes us to receive grace. The Catechism reminds us that sacramentals do not work by themselves. They help us pray, and they turn our ordinary moments toward Christ.
How to ask a priest
It is simpler than many people expect. Priests bless rosaries, medals and bracelets often, and most are happy to be asked.
- Bring it with you to Mass. Keep the bracelet in its pouch or in your pocket.
- Ask after Mass. Wait until the priest has finished greeting people, then ask, "Father, would you bless this for me?" It takes less than a minute.
- Or call the parish office. If after Mass is busy, ask when Father might have a moment. Many parishes also bless religious articles after Masses on certain feast days.
- There is no charge. A blessing is always free. You are welcome to thank Father with a prayer.
A deacon may also bless many religious articles. If you have a Saint Benedict medal, you might ask whether Father would use the traditional blessing for that medal from the older Roman Ritual. Some priests will, and some will use the ordinary blessing. Both are good.
Caring for a blessed bracelet
- Wear it with reverence. A blessed bracelet is meant to be worn and prayed with, not kept in a drawer.
- Keep it clean. Our bracelets can get wet, but a gentle wipe and time to dry will help them last.
- If it breaks, it is still a blessed object. Do not throw it in the trash. The custom of the Church is to bury it or burn it.
- Giving it as a gift? You may have it blessed before you give it, or give it unblessed so that the recipient can take it to their own priest. For a First Communion or Confirmation, having it blessed on the day can be a lovely memory.
A small invitation
Asking for a blessing is a small act of faith, and often a chance to meet the priests who serve your parish. We hope your bracelet becomes a daily reminder to pray, and that it leads you back to the altar often.
Browse our handcrafted Catholic bracelets, or read about the meaning of the Saint Benedict medal.
Wear your heart on your wrist,
The Cor Meum Family