St Christopher medals fallen out of favor?

Dueller · 02-04-2010, 05:20 PM

Since St Christopher has been de-cannonized, is it bad form to give one as a gift?

When I was a kid (army brat) there was a bit of a ritual for our fathers/neighbors at farewell parties before they were shipped off to 'Nam. At some point in the evening everyone would gather around in a circle and a St Christopher medal (or a Jewish star or cross) would be passed from person to person until it reached the person leaving. As each person held the medal they would say a few words to the person leaving wishing them a safe return. After everyone had handled the medal it would be given to the person leaving.

Have a friend who is leaving for Afghanistan as a contract civilian police officer trainer and we're having a going away party for him this weekend. He's a very spiritual person.

Just don't know the etiquette on this one. Good idea or poor form?

Dueller · 02-04-2010, 07:38 PM

No one has any thought/input on this?...please don't tell me it needs to go to PARF

M.D. Holloway · 02-04-2010, 07:41 PM

Depends, is he Catholic?

Dueller · 02-04-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LubeMaster77

Depends, is he Catholic?

No, he's Methodist. 'appreciate any input as I'm spiritual but not religious.

stomachmonkey · 02-04-2010, 07:49 PM

From askacatholic.com.

That is not true. Rather, his cult has been suppressed (i.e. his feast has been removed from the calendar and devotion no longer encouraged) due to lack of historical evidence and prevalence of fantastic legends surrounding him.

Lack of historical evidence doesn't mean he didn't exist and therefore is not a saint, but the church has thought it prudent to de-emphasize devotion to him. By no means has he been "de-canonized" or eliminated as a Saint.

Check out these pages (you may have to scroll down):

Quick Questions (This Rock: September 1999)
Quick Questions (This Rock: March 1997)
Quick Questions (This Rock: September 2006)

So you should be OK.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

A Methodist won't be doing the St. Christopher's thing. I think a cross, done the same way would work.

masraum · 02-04-2010, 07:55 PM

I always thought the Saints were more of a Catholic thing.

Jim Bremner · 02-04-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

I always thought the Saints were more of a Catholic thing.

Yes. Not all Christians are Catholic. I would not be insulted to be handed any saint. It would be awkward for me, since I don't understand the idea of a saint I pray to God.

Dueller · 02-04-2010, 08:11 PM

OK...I know several non-Catholics Christians that wear St Christopher medals. You guys understand the sentiment...something secular perhaps?

SM...thanks for the info. Always learning something.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

I can't imagine your friend would take any offense to a cross or St Christopher medal, and would probably be touched by the sentiment.

cbush · 02-05-2010, 02:06 AM

I am not a Catholic, but think the St Christopher medal is a nice token. I wear one on my dog tags. It is a nice thought, and an appropriate gift. Has kept me safe thus far into my deployment

Definately good form.

masraum · 02-05-2010, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

Yes. Not all Christians are Catholic. I would not be insulted to be handed any saint. It would be awkward for me, since I don't understand the idea of a saint I pray to God.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobra

I can't imagine your friend would take any offense to a cross or St Christopher medal, and would probably be touched by the sentiment.

Yes, and Yes, exactly. Catholic or not, I'd wear it and be happy to have it.

jwhcars · 02-05-2010, 02:44 AM

I think what ever you give him would be fine...This medal represents my/our faith and trust in God,Jesus .....as you wear it may it also remind you of those people at home that will be praying for you while you are gone.
Gifts given from the heart no matter what they may be made of I think are the most cherished gifts one can receive.

Laneco · 02-05-2010, 03:45 AM

I'm not a Catholic but I do have a St. Christopher's badge on the spyder.

Anything extra that helps keep me one one piece driving that little monster on the public roadway is VERY welcome!

angela

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

St. Christopher and St. Michael, Both Patron Saints of the MILITARY

Leland Pate · 02-05-2010, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgarr

St. Christopher and St. Michael, Both Patron Saints of the MILITARY

Just curious... is there a patron saint of the pharmaceutical industry?
I need a little mysticism this week.

Dueller · 02-05-2010, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leland Pate

Just curious... is there a patron saint of the pharmaceutical industry?
I need a little mysticism this week.

St. Oxycontin? I think St. Quaalude has been decannonized.

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leland Pate

Just curious... is there a patron saint of the pharmaceutical industry?
I need a little mysticism this week.

The Apostle Saint Jude Thaddeus is "The Miraculous Saint," the Catholic Patron Saint of "lost causes" and "cases despaired of."When all other avenues are closed, he is the one to call upon, and his help often comes at the last moment.

He's got ya covered, Trust me on this one!

M.D. Holloway · 02-05-2010, 07:31 AM

Any gift with good intentions would/should be well received. I for one would cherish any token a friend gave me for any kind of protection of body, soul, mind, what ever.

cashflyer · 02-05-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leland Pate

Just curious... is there a patron saint of the pharmaceutical industry?
I need a little mysticism this week.

Saints.SQPN.com » Blog Archive » patrons of pharmacists