The Scapular

The other day one of the readers suggested that I write about the Scapular.  I have to admit, I probably should’ve covered this topic by now, and in fact had already received this suggestion from that same reader a few months ago.  The Scapular is such an important element of our Catholic faith but unfortunately, it isn’t as popular as it once used to be.

What Is the Scapular?

Most Catholics have at least heard of the Scapular, even if they don’t choose to wear it.  However, I’m guessing there are probably several others (maybe in the younger age groups) who have either never heard of it or who only have a vague idea of what it is and why it plays such a significant role in our salvation.

This is The Catholic Encyclopedia’s description, word for word, of what the Scapular is in terms of the actual physical definition:

It consists essentially of a piece of cloth about the width of the breast from one shoulder to the other (i.e. about fourteen to eighteen inches), and of such a length that it reaches not quite to the feet in front and behind.  There are also shorter forms of the scapular. In the middle is the opening for the head, the scapular thus hanging down from two narrow connecting segments resting on the shoulders.  Originally the longitudinal segments of cloth were connected by cross segments passing under the arms — a form which exists even today.  In former times also two segments of cloth hung over the shoulders, which they covered, and thus formed a cross with the longitudinal segments over the breast and back (cf. P.L., CIII, 1231, editorial note).

The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

There are different colored Scapulars, each originating from different points of time throughout history and each having a specific purpose with specific privileges and indulgences attached.  In order to give full and proper attention and detail to all of the different colored Scapulars, I would most certainly need more than the space of one 500-1000 word post!  So for now, we’ll just talk about the Brown Scapular, which is the most well-known one, and save the others for future posts.

The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also known as the Brown Scapular and is associated with the Carmelite Order.  The Brown Scapular is the representation of a special Consecration to Our Lady under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  In A.D. 16 July 1251, Our Lady appeared to Saint Simon Stock in Cambridge, England after he’d been praying for help with his Order.  She appeared to him with the Scapular, and this is what she said:

“Take, beloved son, this Scapular of thy Order as a badge of my confraternity, and for thee and all Carmelites, a sign of grace.  Whoever dies in this garment will not suffer everlasting fire.  It is the sign of salvation, a safeguard in dangers, a pledge of peace and of the covenant.”

Whether or not this was exactly the way it happened (including Our Lady’s words and the way in which she appeared to St. Simon Stock), we will probably never know for sure.  Nevertheless, the Scapular was given to him by Our Lady and the devotion spread, and was well-known by the 16th Century.  And because of papal decree, we can safely believe the promise known as the Sabbatine Privilege.  Our Lady granted this Privilege to all souls in Purgatory, who, in their earthly lives, did the following:

- wore the Scapular in good faith

- were chaste according to their state in life

- daily recited the Divine Office or, with the permission of one’s Confessor, the Little Office of Our Lady [a shorter form of the Divine Office in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, used by certain religious orders and laity.  It is similar to the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Roman Breviary] or the Rosary

- departed earthly life in charity

Any priest can enroll a person in the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  All the person needs to do is obtain a Brown Scapular, have it blessed by the priest and express his/her desire for enrollment.

The Scapular and False Beliefs

Some people falsely believe that by wearing the Brown Scapular they are given some sort of guarantee of salvation because of the legendary words of Our Lady that are connected to it.  Please note that this is against Church teaching and is a serious error in thinking; it is also superstitious.  It is wrong to assume that wearing the Scapular is some sort of magical way of manipulating God!

The correct thinking and attitude in terms of wearing the Scapular is to view it as a Sacramental object that has been approved by the Church that is a reminder of how we are supposed to be living our Catholic faith.  Its spiritual significance in terms of the privileges and indulgences attached depends on the faith, hope and love of the person who is wearing it.  A person needs to do more than merely wear the Scapular; a person needs to wear it faithfully and worthily.

{ 4 comments }