rings than one without a crucifix before him.

Q. 1057. What are the Stations or Way of the Cross?
A. The Stations or Way of the Cross is a devotion instituted by the
Church to aid us in meditating on Christ's passion and death. Fourteen
crosses or stations, each with a picture of some scene in the passion,
are arranged at distances apart. By passing from one station to another
and praying before each while we meditate upon the scene it represents,
we make the Way of the Cross in memory of Christ's painful journey
during His passion, and we gain the indulgence granted for this pious
exercise.

Q. 1058. Are prayers and ceremonies of the Church also Sacramentals?
A. Prayers and ceremonies of the Church are also Sacramentals because
they excite good thoughts and increase devotion. Whatever the Church
dedicates to a pious use or devotes to the worship of God may be called
a Sacramental.

Q. 1059. On what ground does the Church make use of ceremonies?
A. The Church makes use of ceremonies (1) After the example of the Old
Law, in which God described and commanded ceremonies; (2) after the
example of Our Lord, who rubbed clay on the eyes of the blind to whom He
wished to restore sight, though He might have performed the miracle
without any external act; (3) on the authority of the Church itself, to
whom Christ gave power to do whatever was necessary for the instruction
of all men; (4) to add solemnity to religious acts.

Q. 1060. How may persons sin in using Sacramentals?
A. Persons may sin in using Sacramentals by using them in a way or for a
purpose prohibited by the Church; also by believing that the use of
Sacramentals will save us in spite of our sinful lives. We must remember
that Sacramentals can aid us only through the blessing the Church gives
them and through the good dispositions they excite in us. They have,
therefore, no power in themselves, and to put too much confidence in
their use leads to superstition.

Q. 1061. {293} What is the difference between the Sacraments and the
sacramentals?
A. The difference between the Sacraments and the sacramentals is: 1st.
The Sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and the sacramentals were
instituted by the Church; 2d. The Sacraments give grace of themselves
when we place no obstacle in the way; the sacramentals excite in us
pious dispositions, by means of which we may obtain grace.

Q. 1062. May the Church increase or diminish the number of Sacraments
and Sacramen