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Wearing the Sacred Heart Badge

A small image of the Sacred Heart worn on the person — a quiet declaration of devotion.

Why this practice

The Sacred Heart Badge — sometimes a small cloth scapular, sometimes a medal — has been worn by Catholics for centuries as a sign of consecration to the Heart of Jesus. In the trenches of the First World War, soldiers wore it under their uniforms.

It is not a magic charm. It is a reminder. Every time you feel it against your chest, you remember to whom you belong. And every time others see it, you are quietly preaching.

How to begin

1Obtain a Sacred Heart medal, scapular, or cloth badge — your parish bookstore or a Catholic supply will have them.
2Have it blessed by a priest before you begin wearing it.
3Wear it daily. Touch it briefly during the day with a short act of love: "Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee."
4Replace it when it wears out. The wearing-out is itself a sign of the consistency of devotion.

The Sacred Heart Badge is a silent sermon worn next to the body, preached without words to all who pass.

— Traditional

A prayer for this practice

Sacred Heart of Jesus, may this image upon me be a sign that I am Thine. Through it, let me remember Thy love at every hour, and let those I meet be drawn, however small the way, toward Thee.

Amen.

When you're ready

Friday as a day of devotion →