Today being the Feast of the Sacred Heart, one of the things I absolutely love is coming across vintage holy cards from the good old days of Catholicism. Among the very best of these images are those dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I had a folder full of these images on my computer, and for the life of me I can’t find it. I had planned, if I ever got around to it, to reproducing some of these at a printing company. A few of my favorites are below. The art and the words just — to my mind at least — speak to a devotion we’ve somehow lost track of.
Feel free to post your own favorites in the comments.
Speaking of things I never got around to, I’ve had intentions for quite a while now to apply my design skills to creating some Catholic merchandise — t-shirts in particular — that don’t look silly or kitschy.
It appears my friend Matt Swaim, who works as the Communications Coordinator of The Coming Home Network (and was the first Catholic radio host to interview me way back when), has beaten me too it. His new site, Nerdy Catholic Tees, has just released a Sacred Heart T-Shirt based on the Vendee’s resistance materials during the French Revolution that I think looks pretty sharp. 
Finally, since I can’t remember if I’ve ever posted it before, I wanted to include a prayer of consecration of the world to the Sacred Heart that is a part of my daily routine. It’s got some language in it that would send ecumenical/interfaith prelates at the Vatican into a tailspin, which is part of the reason I like it so much. No pulling punches. Wanna save people? They’ve got to convert to the True Faith, full stop.
ACT OF CONSECRATION OF THE HUMAN RACE TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but, to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart.
Many indeed have never known Thee; many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to Thy Father’s house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.
Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy towards the children of the race, once Thy chosen people: of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: “Praise be to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever.” Amen.
