Honoring Images of Catholic Saints

The First Commandment of God states “I am the Lord your God, You shall not have strange Gods before me.” Well, of course, as devout Catholic, we abide by this commandment. We recognize the one and only God, our Heavenly Father.

And indeed, it is really considered a mortal sin if we as Catholics worship other gods apart for Him. The first commandment likewise dictates that statues and images, whether it be of patron saints and even the Blessed Virgin Mary should not be worshipped, in the same manner as pagans worshipping their stone idols. This is a form of idolatry and is considered a grievous sin.

So, what does it make of the multiple of Catholics who have images of Catholic saints, the Virgin Many and other religious relics displayed at the altar of their homes? Are they sinners outright? Are they offending the Lord God because of these practices?

In my opinion, if the purpose of the presence of the images of patron saints is to honor them as mediators or messengers to the Lord, then it is not a sin. If it is a form of respect and admiration to a particular saint and the holy life that it lived, then I do believe that it is okay for such images to have a place in our altars.

Respect and honoring of the Saints is one thing; worship of God is another – it is a great and truly holy act that is above all else.