Q: Is it OK to put sentimental value onto things, or is that considered unhealthy attachment to objects? For example, I have this shirt in my closet from when I was in middle school which a lot of my friends signed. Although it doesn’t fit me anymore, I enjoy keeping it because it reminds me of when I was in middle school and of good times. Is this sinful? I am aware it is just a T-shirt, but are we allowed to add more value to it? I believe it is OK as long as I don’t value it more than God or put it above God. Am I correct? Is sentimental value OK to have? Thanks for your help. — Pablo
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:
One factor that needs to be considered is the intensity of the attachment. Obsessive attachment to things isn’t healthy.
On the other hand, we do need to use things to help us and others reach our true goal in life (which is heaven).
Let’s take a few simple examples.
A mom might guard her kitchen utensils to ensure that she has the tools she needs to cook meals for her family. Keeping her spouse and children well fed helps them carry out their missions in life.
Her guarding of the utensils is understandable; but she can do that without getting attached to them.
A man might keep a photo of his deceased parents in a prominent place in his house. If the photo reminds him to pray for their souls, that’s fine.
But if the photo prompts constant sorrow in him or makes him pine for the past in such a way that he neglects giving attention to people around him, that’s not good.
Now, keeping a T-shirt for sentimental reasons might not hurt your spiritual life so long as you don’t give it some elevated status.
You want to be careful not to get stuck in the past, to the extent that you are distracted from doing the things you need to do now, such as your education and growth in the faith.
The fact that you are asking this question might be a sign that the Holy Spirit is nudging you to rethink whether the shirt is worth keeping.
It can be helpful to go through your things occasionally and ask that famous question of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, “Quid hoc ad aeternitatem?” What does this matter in the light of eternity?
A solid prayer life and sacramental life can help you to answer that question.
