Remember Christ’s Passion

What is the red scapular devotion?

One of the best ways to advance in holiness is to reflect on the Lord’s Passion. It can deepen one’s relationship with God in ways untold, especially interiorly. The red scapular, for those who are invested in it, becomes a reminder of the Passion. When we meditate on Christ’s suffering we grow in compassion for the suffering of others. We grow in charity and humility; we thank God for all that He is and does through us; and we then begin to embrace suffering and sacrifice in our own lives.

Jesus appeared to Sister Apolline, a nun of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, in 1846, and He promised that anyone who wears the red scapular with faith and devotion will receive great increases in faith, hope and charity every Friday. The red scapular devotion was approved in 1847 by Pope Pius IX.

What is investiture?

Investiture is a ceremony in which the faithful are presented with a scapular blessed by a priest. In wearing the scapular there is a promise (consecration) by the individual to pray and perform acts of charity and devotion. Investiture is done only once, and subsequent to being invested, the person wears the scapular at all times as a sign of that promise. Scapulars are sacred sacramentals in the life of the Church, and should not be looked upon as any type of superstition.