Overview

God uses visible signs to illuminate mysteries of the divine because that which is tangible is most accessible to humans. We readily connect with the symbolic nature of elements like water, fire, and light because we encounter them in daily life. In Sacramentals: Liturgical Symbols That Surround Us, author Johan van Parys takes us through the symbolism of various elements used in Catholic liturgies, bringing us greater understanding of the sacredness associated with objects when they're used in a religious manner. He reviews sacred spaces that exist within church buildings and walks through the history of how they developed from ancient times. Covering some of the differences among sacraments, sacramentals, signs, and symbols, van Parys explores liturgical furnishings, vestments, gestures, sacred art, and similar objects as he shows how God uses ordinary items to draw us closer to him. This fascinating exploration of sacramentals and symbolism is bound to inspire greater reverence for Catholic churches and liturgies. The Queen's Work: Liguori Publications has revived The Queen's Work imprint to support the needs of the people of God who desire a life of greater piety and devotion, and to encourage the positive spiritual energy that is present in the Church today.

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9780764828850

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Reviews

The aim of Sacramentals: Liturgical Symbols That Surround Us is twofold. The book offers insight into our daily use of symbols and the symbolic acts that uniquely equip humans for the use of symbols in a religious context. Dr. van Parys then talks about our daily use of symbols and our experiences of sacramental symbols on a human level... He offers opportunities to reflect on the meaning of these symbols and make further connections to our experiences of them...The groundwork the book lays encourages all of us to become more aware of and appreciate symbols on a deeper level. --Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo, President Emeritus of the Governorship of Vatican City State ""The Governorship of Vatican City State"" (1/9/2026 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

Johan van Parys, PhD, is the managing director of ministries and director of liturgy and sacred arts at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. He teaches liturgy in the School of Theology of St. John's University and is the co-founder and president of the Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Dr. van Parys received his doctorate in theology in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame and has graduate degrees from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, in archeology, art history, architecture, and religious studies.

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