In an attempt to invoke supernatural powers for selling real estate, plastic statues of Saint Joseph are being offered for sale in Catholic stores across the nation. These four-inch-tall figurines are being packaged in "Home Sale Kits" that include a prayer card and instructions on how to bury the statue upside down in the ground.¹ Other kits include a plastic burial bag so that the statue can be dug up after closing and given a place of honor inside the seller's new home.

Some sources say the statue needs to be buried exactly twelve inches deep. Others insist it needs to be buried facing toward the street near the real estate sign. Condo owners are encouraged to bury the statue in a flowerpot. Some people bury Saint Joseph lying on his back pointing toward the house to create a type of "magnetic arrow." One woman buried Saint Joseph facing away from her house only to discover that the residence across the street sold even though the house had not been placed on the market.

It is not known where this practice originated. Some sources say the tradition dates back to a time called the Degradation of the Saints. In this era, the saints were buried in the ground and threatened by making statements like, "I will keep you in the ground with your head in the dirt until you help me sell my house!" Other sources claim the practice dates back to German carpenters who used to bury statues in the foundations of houses for good luck.

Regardless of the origins, the Catechism of the Catholic Church regards such practices as sacrilegious and superstitious. According to section 2120, "Sacrilege consists in profaning or treating unworthily the sacraments and other liturgical actions, as well as persons, things, or places consecrated to God." Because Saint Joseph is a person consecrated to God, burying a statue of him upside down in the ground in an attempt to invoke supernatural powers for selling real estate would qualify as a sacrilegious behavior.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also states in section 2110 that such behavior is superstitious and a "perverse excess of religion." The sin of superstition is committed anytime sacramental graces are attributed to anything other than God. A person commits the sin of superstition thinking that a statue buried in a specific direction will invoke supernatural powers. If the house does sell, all the glory, honor and credit goes to a piece of plastic, instead of going to God.

Not only does this practice border on Spiritualism, an occult practice that uses magic charms, talismans, and amulets to invoke demonic powers, but it also robs the homeowner of the responsibility to make Jesus the Lord over all his financial affairs. Jesus wants to develop a deep and intimate relationship with all of his beloved children. Jesus wants his followers to seek his guidance and learn how to listen to his softly spoken voice.

This type of interaction with Jesus is described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in sections 2709–2724 as contemplative prayer. In this type of prayer the faithful can ask Jesus questions and listen for his guidance. Jesus wants to be the Lord over all our decisions, including where we live, what house we buy, and every other major decision that we make in life.

God has all the answers, power, and provisions that we need. He knows every detail of the real estate market. He knows whether it's in our best interest to buy or sell. He wants all of his beloved children to surrender their lives into his service, and look to his guidance in all of our personal, financial, and real estate endeavors.

 

Scripture Passages to Set the Captives Free

 

"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27

"If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you." — James 1:5

"Contemplative prayer is hearing the Word of God. Far from being passive, such attentiveness is the obedience of faith, the unconditional acceptance of a servant, and the loving commitment of a child."
— Catechism of the Catholic Church: 2716

 

For more information please visit Promise to Publish Saint Jude Novena.