I was finally invested in the Black Scapular last night!

[Luigi Daniele]

Originally Posted by joseph510

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ!

I've been lurking and reading the posts on my iPhone when I've had a few extra moments, but I just couldn't bring myself to reply using a phone keypad. Drives me nuts! LOL!

Luigi - glad to hear you were vested in the Black Scapular! Glory to God! It took me a while to find a priest that was willing to take the time to celebrate the Rite, but alas, it happened at a First Friday at Mass. All things in God's time!

I am a Secular Franciscan, but am considering asking for a release from my Promises. IMHO, the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) today, isn't what Father Francis had in mind. Hence, there are some other Franciscan Fraternities that seek to either live the original or modified Leonine Rule. I find the SFO today, to be too Secular, and not spiritual enough...at least not for me. The Confraternity of the Passion seems to be exactly what I've been looking for. I think it suits my sensibilities and spirituality.

I was a wearer of the Brown Scapular for years. I had no problem in "switching" to the Passionist Scapular as I see Scapulars as an outward sign of an inward commitment and devotion. I think Scapulars are really special. Unlike a medal, it's a garment - something more intimate and personal. One thing - are the images on the Passionist Scapular essential? The Brown Scapular can be plain with no pics. Same for the Passionist Scapular? From what I've read, it doesn't really matter. I would assume it's not essential. Not sure if in the time of St. Paul of the Cross, there was the ability to print on fabric. And, during his time, lay scapulars were much larger. If anyone has any info on this, I would appreciate it. I often like to wear a larger scapular (around 4" x 5") as a devotion. Plus, I'm an artist and creative freak and like making sacramentals and all sorts of stuff

Please pray for me. I was just installed as an Adult Faith Formation Director at my parish. With my regular job and all, it's a lot to handle, but teaching the Catholic Faith is a passion of mine. I just hope I can keep up!

And, one final thing, I was just wondering if anyone had thoughts about the Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. It came up in one of my Faith Formation meetings. I have my own views, but curious how others feel/felt about the movie as Passionists.

Wishing each and everyone of you a blessed Holy Week as with journey with our Crucified Lord to Calvary and keep vigil at His tomb for Easter!

Joseph

Joseph

1. Vested not invested *Lou makes mental note*

2. I had a similar experience to yours. I feel exactly the same way.

3. If you have a look at the Confraternity web page: HERE it shows a picture of what they look like. They do have to have the pictures.

4. Prayers offered

5. I was very moved by the Passion of the Christ. Satan in the Garden sent actual shivers down my spine. The scourging caused my to weep greatly.

Finally, please consider posting here more often. I always enjoy your posts

[jimcav]

Originally Posted by joseph510

Luigi - glad to hear you were vested in the Black Scapular! Glory to God! It took me a while to find a priest that was willing to take the time to celebrate the Rite, but alas, it happened at a First Friday at Mass. All things in God's time!

Yes, all things in Gods good time! Sometimes we need to remember that, because our worldly impatience can often blur that. God gives us what we need, not what we want.

Originally Posted by joseph510

I am a Secular Franciscan, but am considering asking for a release from my Promises. IMHO, the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) today, isn't what Father Francis had in mind. Hence, there are some other Franciscan Fraternities that seek to either live the original or modified Leonine Rule. I find the SFO today, to be too Secular, and not spiritual enough...at least not for me. The Confraternity of the Passion seems to be exactly what I've been looking for. I think it suits my sensibilities and spirituality.

I'm not sure you will need to be released to join the Confraternity. If I'm not mistaken, you can be a member of something like the SFO while being a Confraternity member to. Please inquire about that before dropping out of the SFO, unless of course you already made up your mind about it...

Originally Posted by joseph510

I was a wearer of the Brown Scapular for years. I had no problem in "switching" to the Passionist Scapular as I see Scapulars as an outward sign of an inward commitment and devotion. I think Scapulars are really special. Unlike a medal, it's a garment - something more intimate and personal. One thing - are the images on the Passionist Scapular essential? The Brown Scapular can be plain with no pics. Same for the Passionist Scapular? From what I've read, it doesn't really matter. I would assume it's not essential. Not sure if in the time of St. Paul of the Cross, there was the ability to print on fabric. And, during his time, lay scapulars were much larger. If anyone has any info on this, I would appreciate it. I often like to wear a larger scapular (around 4" x 5") as a devotion. Plus, I'm an artist and creative freak and like making sacramentals and all sorts of stuff

"An outward sign of an inward committment", I really like that!

I do believe that the Black Scapular does indeed have certain requirements and I also think that the signs shown on the print matters to. The scapular has to have all of the signs of the Passion to be legitimate and it also has to be the correct size, be square, not round or any other shape and be of the correct fabric. This particular scapular is also only to be given away by the Passionists to, it cannot be sold in stores, hence you won't (or shouldn't) see them sold anywhere. They are only made by a group of nuns from I believe Kansas.

Originally Posted by joseph510

Please pray for me. I was just installed as an Adult Faith Formation Director at my parish. With my regular job and all, it's a lot to handle, but teaching the Catholic Faith is a passion of mine. I just hope I can keep up!

You will certainly be in my prayers! And yes, with the help of God, you will keep up!

Originally Posted by joseph510

And, one final thing, I was just wondering if anyone had thoughts about the Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. It came up in one of my Faith Formation meetings. I have my own views, but curious how others feel/felt about the movie as Passionists.

Powerful movie!

I believe that the power of that movie was so great that the devil was very threatend by it and sent demons after Mel Gibson, which has led to his problems of late. Mel Gibson gave us the quintisential movie of the Passion and it changed many lives forever, so why wouldn't the devil attack him? I pray for Mel Gibson.

That movie change forever how we viewed the Passion. It was no longer the bloodless event that was often depicted. It showed us the brutality, the bloodiness and mans complete inhumanity in all of it's starkness. It did for religious movies what Saving Private Ryan did for war movies, it showed the complete reality.

Originally Posted by joseph510

Wishing each and everyone of you a blessed Holy Week as with journey with our Crucified Lord to Calvary and keep vigil at His tomb for Easter!

Joseph

And to you my friend!

[Luigi Daniele]

I, too, believe that you can be a member of the SFO and the Confraternity, but in my experience I would just choose the second

Jim, excellent points about Mel Gibson. I hadn't considered that. I will pray for him, too.

Child #3 watched it for the 1st time. She too was moved by the Scourging and was freaked out by Satan in the Garden.

[joseph510]

Yes, true, you can be part of many Confraternities, but only ONE Secular Order, but, I'd rather be faithful to one Rule and give 100% to the one. However, the current SFO Rule is pretty relaxed that many pious Catholics exceed the requirements. And, while I love Father Francis among the Saints, something about St. Paul of the Cross and St. Gemma really touch and interest me. BTW, I just got the Source/Workbook on Paulacrucian Studies on Friday. Can hardly wait to dive into it!!!

Blessed Palm Sunday to all!

Joseph

Originally Posted by Luigi Daniele

I, too, believe that you can be a member of the SFO and the Confraternity, but in my experience I would just choose the second

Jim, excellent points about Mel Gibson. I hadn't considered that. I will pray for him, too.

Child #3 watched it for the 1st time. She too was moved by the Scourging and was freaked out by Satan in the Garden.

[Luigi Daniele]

Joseph,

I truly believe that you have made the right choice for yourself. The Passionists rock

[rje1957]

How does one obtain a Passionist (black) scapular? I too looked many years ago to the SFO, but something's did not really click or work out. Well life happened and the kids are finally gone to college and life and after attending a CRHP retreat and preparing for our turn to give the retreat - the Passionists were revealed to me. What a blessing - getting back to my question - would really like to be vested - but do not know proper steps. Have worn my brown scapular for decades and prayers. Also wondering about the associate or oblate programs. I'm in the middle of the US in Texas, but not really close to any monastery. What are the options? Thank you - God Bless - JXP

Bob

[joseph510]

Hi Bob,

I have a few extra scapulars and would be happy to send you one if you email me your address.

In Christ crucified,

Joseph

[joseph510]

P.S. I also have the "Rite of blessing" for the scapular. Once, the privilege was limited to Passionist priests, but now, the faculties are given to any priest.

[rje1957]

Originally Posted by joseph510

Hi Bob,

I have a few extra scapulars and would be happy to send you one if you email me your address.

In Christ crucified,

Joseph

Thank you very much & God bless

[rje1957]

Now I am able to also say that last evening after Mass I was invested with the Passionist Black Scapular. Thank you to all and especially Fr Joseph and Joseph510.

[AllyC1991]

I'm sure this has been answered before but are there any places that sell the Black Scapular now?

[joseph510]

No, you cannot buy them. I have a few left. If interested, please contact me directly.

Joseph

[AllyC1991]

Thanks! I did!

[AllyC1991]

My Scapular has never arrived. What happened?