When he administers the Sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop wears red vestments.
In the Church, red has always symbolized two things: fire and blood. Commonly, this represents burning charity and the sacrifice of the martyrs. That is why the priest and the altar are arrayed in red on martyrs’ feast days.
But what does the color of fire and blood symbolize when it comes to the Holy Spirit?
Fire is obvious: at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in the form of flames. These flames symbolized the gifts and fruits He bestowed, which were essential to the survival and propagation of the Faith.
Fire is also an appropriate symbol for the Holy Spirit because it is a symbol of love—the Holy Spirit Himself being the Love between the Father and the Son.
Blood symbolizes the Holy Spirit because, as blood gives life to the body, so the breath of the Holy Spirit has given life to the Church since Pentecost.
There is so much to learn about the sacraments and their symbols that it’s hard to know where to begin. How about starting with the Scrambled Sacraments Card Game? Full of facts and fun, these illustrated cards will teach the whole family all about the sacraments in no time! Pick up your pack today from The Catholic Company!
