Why do Catholics consecrate objects?

QUESTION: What is the difference between a consecrated and an unconsecrated religious item? Is the veneration of consecrated objects fetishism?

ANSWER: a sanctified object is a sign indicating the source of all that is sacred – God. Consecration of an object serves to revive our memory of His presence or the presence of saints. A sanctified object is also an expression of gift, protection and blessing, and all these properties it possesses ex opere operantis, that is, depending on the piety of the one who asks for them and for this turns to the priest, that is, to the mediation of the Church: thus, by virtue of the communion of spiritual benefits, through the prayers of the Church, the believer acquires protection, blessing and the requested mercy.