The Scapular

Page 18 in "Marian Devotions in the Domestic Church"

Catherine Fournier and Peter Fournier

Originally, a scapular was a cloak or poncho-like garment, usually open at the sides, worn by some monks. A devotional scapular is a modification of this garment, though it is still meant to be thought of as clothing. 

Clothing gives protection and shows our station in life. The scapular is also an indication of our spiritual state and a sign of love for Mary. Because Mary's intercession protects us, the scapular is also a sign of protection against the hazards of the world. 

The scapular has been reduced from a cloak to two small squares of woven wool, connected by two cords or strings. The squares may have pictures on them. The scapular is worn like a miniature poncho, so that one square is in front and one in back. 

There are many different variations of the scapular: white (Trinitarian), black (the Servite Order), blue (of the Immaculate Conception), red (of the Passion of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary), and green (of Saint Vincent de Paul's Daughters of Charity); but the brown scapular of Mount Carmel is the best known and most commonly worn. 

The brown scapular has an interesting and inspiring history. 

"Whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire." The Mother of God made this incredible promise to a Carmelite monk, Saint Simon Stock, in England more than seven hundred years ago. Most older Catholics today have learned the story of Saint Simon and the scapular during their preparation for the sacraments, and many were enrolled in the Confraternity of the Scapular of Carmel at the time of their First Holy Communion. 

As with many other devotions, the devotion of wearing the brown scapular is not commonly practiced among young Catholics. But they embrace this devotion enthusiastically for its immediate and obvious "material" evidence of faith. 

One is enrolled in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular by a priest or other authorized person. When one's scapular wears out, one can replace it. 

People who are allergic to wool, live in hot climates, or find the scapular difficult to wear for some other reason can replace it with a scapular medal, which has an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one side and an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the other.

Should you decide to practice this devotion as a family, be sure that the children understand that the scapular is not a magical charm to protect you, an automatic guarantee of salvation, or an excuse for not living a Christian life. They need to understand this clearly, not only for their own benefit, but because they will probably be asked or challenged about wearing the scapular by their peers. A scapular can be an excellent opportunity to evangelize! 

You could explain that a scapular is like a commemorative T-shirt that you wear to remind yourself of a special occasion, a piece of jewelry like: a locket or a charm bracelet that you wear to remind yourself of a loved one, or a special picture that you carry in your wallet to remind yourself of the important people in your life. The scapular reminds us to live as Christians by following the Gospels, receiving the sacraments, and remembering our special devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

Here is what two famous Catholic teachers have said about the brown scapular:

Saint Alphonsus Liguori 

"Just as men take pride in having others wear their livery, so the Most Holy Mary is pleased when her servants wear her scapular as a mark that they have dedicated themselves to her service, and are members of the Family of the Mother of God." 

Bishop Fulton Sheen 

"The Scapular bears a double witness: to Mary's Protection against the ravages of the Flesh occasioned by the Fall, and to Mary's influence as Mediatrix of Graces, who covers our souls with the richness of her Son's Redemption."

Priest: Show us, O Lord, Your mercy.

Respondent: And grant us Your salvation.

Priest: Lord, hear my prayer.

Respondent: And let my cry come unto You.

Priest: The Lord be with you.

Respondent: And with your spirit.

Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, sanctify by Your power these scapulars, which for love of You and for love of our Lady of Mount Carmel, Your servants will wear devoutly, so that through the intercession of the same Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and protected against the evil spirit, they will persevere until death in Your grace. You who live and reign, world without end. Amen.

The priest does the aspersion and invests the person, saying: Receive this blessed scapular and beseech the Blessed Virgin that through her merits, you may wear it with°ut stain. May it defend you against all adversity and accompany you to eternal life. Amen.

After the investiture, the priest continues: 

I, by the power vested in me, admit you to participate in all the spiritual benefits obtained through the mercy of Jesus Christ by the Religious Order of Mount Carmel. In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, bless you, He who has deigned to join you to the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel; we beseech Her to crush the head of the ancient serpent so that you may enter into possession of your eternal heritage through Christ our Lord. 

Respondent: Amen.

The green scapular can bring protection and increased devotion to Mary and her Son, especially to a lukewarm or disbelieving person. It is often worn as an invocation for cures and conversions. 

Our Blessed Mother appeared to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu of the Saint Vincent de Paul Sisters of Charity in 1840, carrying the green scapular. She said, "This holy badge of my Immaculate Heart is to be the means of conversion of souls." Over the course of six years, Our Lady appeared to Sister Justine many times, answering all her questions about the green scapular. 

The green scapular does not require a special blessing or enrollment. It should be worn, carried, or placed in the clothing, bed, or room of the person for whom' you wish an increase of faith. The Virgin Mary emphasized to Sister Justine that graces received through this devotion are proportionate to the confidence of the donor. 

Every day, someone (if not the recipient, then the donor) should say the prayer: 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
pray for us
now and at the hour of our death.