Catholic Charities & Catholic Medals

Traditionally, a charitable trust is any kind of a private, non-profit, philanthropic, human health and welfare organization. They are mostly found in the fields of education, religion, health, wealth, government or any other areas that benefit communities. Nonprofit organizations work for the benefit of human welfare, and do not make a personal profit.

Catholic charities are charitable trusts run mainly by the Catholic church. These charities work to improve the living conditions of the poor people. Needy people are treated with equal love and care, irrespective of their religion, sex, age, race, color, or origin. These charities try to provide steady employment with good wages for people who need the jobs. They try to protect the people from racial discriminations and prejudices. Since these issues have an intergenerational impact, Catholic charities try to protect the families across the age groups.

Catholic charities usually depend on donations from affluent citizens. This money is used to provide a better life to the poor and the needy of the country. Catholic charities try and ensure that all people in the community are cared for. They do the best they can with the income that they get through donations. Catholic charities strive to unite and mobilize a growing number of Catholic institutions, individuals and persons of good faith. Their goal is to maximize the church's influence on issues of poverty, drug abuse, unemployment and women and child welfare. Most Catholic charities are affiliated with Catholic Charities USA, the largest private human service network in the United States.

Medals are metal emblems representing a particular feature. Archeologists substantiate that the medals were used during the ancient periods in history. Catholic medals are used to symbolize the faith and devotion to God. They are the medals which represent unique beliefs and practices of the Catholics. The medals have gained much popularity among both Catholics and non-Catholics. However, the medals do not advocate any superstitions. The Catholic teaching preaches that the medals have no inbuilt magical power but instead it only inspires the need of devotion.

Catholic medals are generally used to remind the divinity of God. The medals include several categories according to the purpose of their use. Some medals are just souvenirs, which include memorial of certain persons, important events, places, etc.

The various categories of the medals can be stated as follows: Jubilee medals, papal medals, special occasion medals, etc. are included in the commemorative medals. Certain medals are expressions of religious prayers for blessings and protection. This group includes Jesus Christ medals, Virgin Mary medals, Eucharistic medals, etc. Patron saint medals are another category of catholic medals which characterize saints, the mediators for communication with God. Some other medals feature biblical events. The angel medals and crucifixes are also included as Catholic medals.

These medals may be used as religious jewelry. These valuable possessions can be pendants on chains worn around the necks or pinned to the dress. Most of the believers give an important position to the medals in their home, vehicle or office since the medals are a sign of God. They are considered as suitable gift choices which bring good luck and for adding to a collection. The value of a Catholic medal increases with age. Vintage medals are very costly.