Author Topic: A wood carving of a St. Benedicts Medal? (Read 641 times)

s2srea · « **on:** January 04, 2014, 07:05:51 PM »

I've recently tried my hand at wood carving. I made two little figurines so far, and really enjoy it. I'd like to try my hand at relief carvings. I was thinking a good, simple, first carving would be a copy of a St. Benedict's Medal. Thoughts? Better suggestions? Does a wooden medal make sense, even if it wouldn't have sacramental abilities.

shin · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2014, 09:00:09 PM »

I used to have a wood carving of a St. Benedict's medal, it was the kind you place on your car dash.

Sadly the base broke eventually. Very nice to see a larger medal.

I tend to think in a more Catholic world there'd be giant statues of the medal in the town squares...

Sounds like a great little way to spend some time.

s2srea · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2014, 09:35:59 PM »

Thanks shin. I think I'll do either the St.BM, or the Miraculous, which may be a little easier to begin with. :detective:

Sigismund · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2014, 09:55:54 PM »

I don't know that I would assume that w wooden medal (so to speak) would not be a sacramental. I called my son the priest to ask home before posting this. He said, "I have absolutely no idea. No one has ever asked that before. It seems to me that it should be a sacramental if probably blessed. Something could be a medal without being made of metal." He is going to email his bishop and ask him.

s2srea · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2014, 09:31:08 AM »

Quote from: Sigismund

I don't know that I would assume that w wooden medal (so to speak) would not be a sacramental. I called my son the priest to ask home before posting this. He said, "I have absolutely no idea. No one has ever asked that before. It seems to me that it should be a sacramental if probably blessed. Something could be a medal without being made of metal." He is going to email his bishop and ask him.

How interesting, I appreciate it if he gets an answer Sig!

The next question becomes, does it still retain its sacramental power if it turns out ugly! :roll-laugh1:

Sigismund · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2014, 09:03:45 PM »

Quote from: Sigismund

I don't know that I would assume that wooden medal (so to speak) would not be a sacramental. I called my son the priest to ask him before posting this. He said, "I have absolutely no idea. No one has ever asked that before. It seems to me that it should be a sacramental if properly blessed. Something could be a medal without being made of metal." He is going to email his bishop and ask him.

My goodness, I am a lousy typist. Let me try that again.

The bishop did reply. He stressed that this was only an opinion since he had never thought about this exact question before. His Grace said:

"From a Byzantine perspective, I see no problem with this. One could wear a cross made of metal or wood, and it would make no difference. Icons can be painted on wood or canvass or etched in stone or metal. The St. Benedict medal is really a Latin rite matter, however, being as it is associated with a mainly Latin rite order. There may be specific Latin rite regulations about its use or composition. I would suggest contacting a Benedictine monastery and asking their oblate director. He would be the person most likely to have the answer at his fingertips, I think."