Classical Country Mama Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 My friend's (non-religious) grandfather just passed away at the hospital. His longtime, devoutly Catholic caretaker was with him at the time, and she left a crucifix with him. The hospital returned the crucifix to my Protestant friend along with her grandfather's other personal items. Our question is--what is the appropriate thing to do with the crucifix? Should it be returned to the caretaker? Or something else? We want to honor her and not cause offense. Thank you for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virg Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 (edited) Return it to the caretaker. ETA: I'd be hurt if you just threw it away without even asking. Edited June 16, 2011 by In The Great White North Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 I think you're right... return it to the caretaker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 It may have had more meaning for her personally that you aren't aware of. Maybe it was her father's, or her husband's, and not just a cheap plastic thing she picked up at the dimestore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 Return it to the caretaker. I'd be hurt if you just threw it away without even asking. :iagree: I'm not Catholic, but in Orthodoxy we often have items blessed by a priest (icons, wall crosses, jewelry, etc.) and if they were not going to be kept, I would want to have these items returned to be handled in a way that respects the blessing it has received, our faith and the intent with which it was given. I would rather hear, "We're not religious, and would just throw this away or give it to Goodwill, so we thought you might want to have it back, first, instead -- would you?" than to have it disposed of in such a way out of a concern that someone wouldn't want to hurt my feelings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 Either keep it, or give it back to the caretaker and thank her for the time she spent with him and for her prayers for him. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 It may have been blessed. I would either return it to her or drop it off at a nearby Catholic church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michele B Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 It may have been blessed. I would either return it to her or drop it off at a nearby Catholic church. :iagree: I agree. Why throw it away when someone else could enjoy it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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