Christian sacramentals have a long history within the Church. Sacramentals are sacred signs that resemble the sacraments but are not believed to actually convey the grace of the sacraments. Instead, they are used to prepare us to receive grace and to sanctify different circumstances of life. Examples of sacramentals include blessings, holy water, crucifixes, and religious medals. The use of sacramentals can be traced back to the early Church, where they were seen as aids to help Christians grow in holiness and deepen their faith. One biblical reference to sacramentals is found in Acts 19:11-12, where handkerchiefs and aprons touched by St. Paul were used to heal the sick and drive out evil spirits. This demonstrates the belief in the power of physical objects when used in faith and according to the teachings of the Church.
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