|
A four way medal combines several different catholic medals into one medal. This type medal is knows as a cruciform, shapes or themes presented in the form of a cross. There are many types of Four way Medals available and they don’t all have the same components. Although thematically, in most cases the Miraculous Medal in contained in a four way medal. Because this combines so many of the different medals, four way medals make a great gift especially for sacramental occasions such as First communion and Confirmation.
The four parts of the cross depict different medals. The base crosses are often very ornate and make an interesting presentation of the medal. The Miraculous medal is often depicted on the cruciform. It was given to St. Catherine by the Blessed Mother and is worn to receive graces for people of faith.
The scapular medal is also a popular inclusion on a four way medal as well. As scapular medal is usually made of cloth and worn with a cloth in the front and one in the back. Wearing of the scapular was a display of being invested in Christ.
The images on the scapular are now being struck into religious medals and often included in the four way medal. Many children when receiving their first communion where enrolled at the time of their communion in the Brown Scapular, the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This was a recollection of the 1251 a.d. apparition, when The Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock in England. The Blessed Mother asked that scapular be worn as a badge of Her confraternity and a promise that this was a special sign of grace and promise to save the wearer from the fires of Hell upon their death.
St. Christopher is another very popular figure included in the four way medals. St. Christopher is a very popular patron saint. Often St. Christopher is associated with travelers. Often the faithful have a St. Christopher’s Medal in their car, on their visor and some where the medal.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Joseph and Jesus and St. Benedict are also very commonly depicted on four way medals. In addition there is also an element that is added to the center making a 5 way medal. The middle is often reserved for the Holy Spirit. Often The Spirit is depicted as a dove and etched into the center of the medal.
On the back of each medal often you will find the words “Pray For Us” or Call a Priest. The call a Priest is placed there so that in the event of an emergency, the person who reads the medal would knows they have a Catholic and know that they should get a priest in case last rights or the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, two separate things may be needed in the event of an accident.
The four way medal is often a great solution of which medal to wear or to pick as a gift.
|
