Popular Devotions

Father Constanz Opiyo of the Lira Diocese Commission of Doctrine shared reflections on the role of popular devotions in Catholic spiritual life. He noted that while the Second Vatican Council affirms the Liturgy as the summit of the Church's activity and the source of its power, the spiritual life of the Church is also nourished by the pious practices of the faithful.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, these devotions arise from the religious sense of the people. They take many forms surrounding sacramental life, including the rosary, pilgrimages, processions, the stations of the cross, visits to sanctuaries, the veneration of relics, religious dances, and the use of medals. Devotions that the Apostolic See has commended or a local bishop has approved can help promote spiritual growth.