If you take a look at the back of the Virgin of Vladimir icon from this week’s Home Lesson, you’ll notice the “Blessed Icon” sticker on the back.  When a priest or deacon prays over an object in a particular way with the intent of blessing it, that object becomes a sacramental and we say it has been “blessed.”  Because of this sacred character, it is customary to dispose of objects in a respectful way when they are no longer usable.  Typically, items that can be burned should be and items that will not burn should be buried.

While you are welcome (and even encouraged) to keep this icon and display it in your home, when you are done with it please either dispose of it properly or just return it to the Family Formation office and we’ll be glad to take care of it for you.

(Sacramentals are sacred signs, objects, or actions that lead us closer to the graces to be had through the seven sacraments.)