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The Brown Scapular

IT IS AN ASSURANCE OF SALVATION,

A PROTECTION IN DANGER,

AND A PLEDGE OF PEACE

"WHOSOEVER DIES CLOTHED

IN THIS (SCAPULAR) SHALL NOT

SUFFER ETERNAL FIRE."

This is the Blessed Virgin Mary's PROMISE,

made July 16, 1251, to St. Simon Stock.

What is the Scapular? | The Value of the Scapular | Enrollment | Scapular Medal? | For Catholics and non-Catholics | The Morning Offering | Questions and Answers

What is the Scapular?

The Scapular is a small replica of the religious habit consisting of two pieces of wool connected by ribbons and worn under one's clothes so that one piece hangs in front and the other in back. Along with the Rosary and the Miraculous Medal, the Scapular is one of the chief Marian sacramentals.

The Value of the Scapular

Our Lord taught us to say the "Our Father." Mary taught us the value of the Scapular. When we use it as a prayer, Our Lady draws us to the Sacred Heart of her Divine Son. It is well, therefore, to HOLD THE SCAPULAR IN THE HAND while addressing Our Lady. A prayer uttered thus, while holding the mystical Scapular, is as perfect as a prayer can be. It is especially in TIME OF TEMPTATION that we need the powerful intercession of God's Mother. The evil spirit is utterly powerless when a Scapular-wearer, besides his silent devotion, faces temptation calling upon Mary. "If thou hadst recommended thyself to me, thou wouldst not have run into danger," was Our Lady's gentle reproach to Blessed Alan de la Roche.

***Pope Benedict XV granted a partial indulgence EACH TIME the Scapular is kissed.***

Enrollment

To be eligible for THE SCAPULAR PROMISE, one must be enrolled in the Family of Carmel. This is a simple ceremony which takes only a moment and can be done by any Carmelite or duly authorized priest.

The words used by the priest when enrolling a person in the Confraternity of the Scapular are as follows:

"Receive this blessed habit; praying the most holy Virgin, than by Her merits thou may wear it without stain; and that She may guard thee from all evil and bring thee to life everlasting. R. Amen.

By the power granted me, I admit thee to the participation of all the spiritual good works, which through the gracious help of Jesus Christ are performed by the religious of Mount Carmel. In the name of the Father, and the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. R. Amen.

May the Creator of Heaven and earth, Almighty God, bless + thee; Who has deigned to unite thee to the confraternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. We beseech Her, in the hour of thy death, to crush the head of the old serpent; so that thou may in the end win the everlasting palm and crown of the heavenly inheritance. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen."

The first Scapular must be blessed and imposed by a Priest using the formula contained in the Roman ritual for reception into the Confraternity of the Scapular.

Scapular Medal?

It is the wish of our Holy Father, the Pope, that the SCAPULAR MEDAL should not be worn in place of the CLOTH SCAPULAR without sufficient reason. Mary cannot be pleased with anyone who substitutes the medal out of vanity or fear to make open profession of faith in her. Such persons run the risk of not receiving the PROMISE. The medal is not noted for the miraculous preservations attributed to the BROWN CLOTH SCAPULAR. Also, the Scapular ought not to be tucked or pinned; it must be worn around the neck, so that one piece of cloth hangs in the front, one in the back. 

For Catholics and non-Catholics

MARY'S MOTHERHOOD is not limited to Catholics; it is extended to ALL MEN. Many miracles of conversion have been wrought in favor of non-Catholics who have practiced the Scapular devotion. Our Lady, as a good Mother will bring conversion to those who honor Her by wearing Her Scapular. 

 The Morning Offering

O my God, in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary (here kiss your Scapular as a sign of your consecration; partial indulgence also), I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus from all the altars throughout the world, joining with It the offering of my every thought, word and action of this day. O my Jesus, I desire today to gain every indulgence and merit I can and I offer them together with myself, to Mary Immaculate, that she may best apply them in the interest of Thy most Sacred Heart. Precious Blood of Jesus, save us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Questions and Answers

  • Q. Why do we call it a Scapular?

    A. The word "Scapular" comes from the Latin word "scapulae" meaning "shoulders". The Scapular is actually a miniature form of a monk's habit by the same name which is a sleeveless outer garment falling from the shoulders to the feet.

    Q. Why do we wear the Scapular?

    A. We wear the Scapular to indicate that we place ourselves under the special protection of the Blessed Virgin. We can tell to what army or nation a soldier belongs by the uniform he wears; so we can consider the Scapular as the particular uniform of those who desire to serve the Blessed Virgin in some special manner.

    Q. Would it be a sin if one ceased to wear the Scapular after having received it?

    A. No, it would not be a sin, but by so doing, one would lose all the benefits promised. If, having ceased to wear the Scapular, even for several years, one should decide to wear it once again, no new ceremony of imposition is necessary.

    Q. After having received the initial Scapular from a priest do subsequent Scapulars need to be blessed?

    A. No, subsequent Scapulars need not be blessed as the blessing and imposition are attached to the wearer for life.

    Q. What should be done with the Scapular when it is worn out?

    A. The Scapular, being a sacred object, when it becomes worn out must be either buried or burned. It should not be disposed of in the regular garbage.

  • "Jesus, Mary, I love You, Save Souls"