The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, to use the full name, is a Catholic devotion revered for centuries. Today, it is a somewhat obscure devotion outside of certain Catholic circles. Does this devotion still hold meaning for the 21st century Catholic?
What is it?
The scapular itself is a small, rectangular piece of brown cloth , worn over the shoulders, with two smaller pieces of cloth that hang down the front and back (tradition holds it must be 100% wool). This devotion has many miracles associated with it and continues to be worn by countless Catholics around the world.
History of the Brown Scapular
The Brown Scapular has its origins in the Carmelite Order, which was founded in the 12th century. The Carmelites were originally hermits who lived on Mount Carmel in Palestine. They developed a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, and believed that she was their special protector and patroness.
In the 13th century, the Carmelites were driven out of the Holy Land by the Saracens, and they settled in Europe. Over time, they became more involved in the world, and began to live in communities rather than as hermits.
In the year 1251, in the town of Aylesford in England, Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite. She handed him a brown woolen scapular and said, “This shall be a privilege for you and all Carmelites, that anyone dying in this habit shall not suffer eternal fire.” In time, the Church extended this magnificent privilege to all the laity who are willing to be invested in the Brown Scapular of the Carmelites and who perpetually wear it.
The Brown Scapular was originally a long, loose piece of cloth that was worn over the shoulders, and was a symbol of the wearer’s dedication to Mary. It was also a sign of membership in the Carmelite Order. Over time, the Scapular became smaller and more practical, and was made into a smaller piece of cloth with two smaller pieces that hung down the front and back.
The Scapular was also given a special blessing by Pope John XXII in the 14th century, and its use was encouraged by many other popes throughout the centuries.
Meaning of the Brown Scapular
The Brown Scapular is a symbol of the wearer’s dedication to Mary, and is a reminder of her special protection and intercession. The Scapular also represents the wearer’s desire to live a holy life, and to follow the example of Mary and the Carmelites in seeking to live in union with God.
The Scapular is also a sign of membership in the Carmelite Order, although wearing the Scapular does not make one a member of the Order. Rather, it is a way for lay people to share in the spiritual benefits of the Order, and to be connected with the Carmelite tradition of prayer and devotion.
The Scapular is not a magical talisman, and wearing it does not guarantee salvation or protection from harm. Rather, it is a sacramental, which is a visible sign of the wearer’s faith and devotion, and a means of obtaining spiritual benefits through the intercession of Mary.
Benefits of wearing the Brown Scapular
Many Catholics believe that wearing the Brown Scapular brings many spiritual benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Protection from harm: Many people believe that wearing the Scapular can protect them from physical harm, accidents, and other dangers.
- Assistance at the hour of death: Catholics believe that wearing the Scapular can help them to obtain the grace of a happy death, and to be assisted by Mary at the hour of death.
- Spiritual benefits: Catholics believe that wearing the Scapular can help them to grow in holiness, to avoid sin, and to deepen their devotion to Mary.
- Remission of sins: Catholics believe that wearing the Scapular can help them to obtain the remission of their sins, especially if they are faithful in wearing the Scapular and living a holy life.
- Assurance of salvation: Although wearing the Scapular does not guarantee salvation, many Catholics believe that it is a sign of their dedication to Mary, and can give them assurance of her intercession and protection.
How to enroll in the Brown Scapular
From The Sisters of Carmel site.
To be eligible for the scapular promise, one must be enrolled in the Brown Scapular Confraternity. This is a simple ceremony which can be performed by any priest. The members of the Confraternity have the added benefit of sharing in all the spiritual benefits of the Carmelite Order.
According to a statement made by the Carmelite Fathers at the National Scapular Center, every priest now has the right to invest the faithful in the Brown Scapular and to substitute the rosary in lieu of the Little Office.
The scapular must be 100% wool without plastic casing and should not be pinned or affixed to clothing. It is worn over the head, under one’s clothes, with one square of wool hanging on the chest and the other on the back. Pictures are not necessary.
The blessing
From the Sisters of Carmel site.
Priest – Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
Respondent – And grant us Thy salvation.
P – Lord, hear my prayer.
R – And let my cry come unto Thee.
P – The Lord be with you.
R – And with your Spirit.
P – Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, sanctify + by Thy power these scapulars, which for love of Thee and for love of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Thy servants will wear devoutly, so that through the intercession of the same Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and protected against the evil spirit, they persevere until death in Thy grace. Thou who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
THE PRIEST SPRINKLES WITH HOLY WATER THE SCAPULAR AND THE PERSON(S) BEING ENROLLED. HE THEN INVESTS HIM (THEM), SAYING:
P – Receive this blessed scapular and beseech the Blessed Virgin that through Her merits, you may wear it without stain. May it defend you against all adversity and accompany you to eternal life. Amen.
AFTER INVESTITURE THE PRIEST CONTINUES WITH THE PRAYERS:
P – 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 of the Son + and of the Holy Ghost. + 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.
R – Amen.
THE PRIEST THEN SPRINKLES AGAIN WITH HOLY WATER THE PERSON(S) ENROLLED.
What are the conditions?
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The Blessed Virgin assigned certain conditions which must be fulfilled:
1.Wear the Brown Scapular continuously.
2.Observe chastity according to one’s state in life (married/single).
3.Recite daily the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin OR Observe the fasts of the Church together with abstaining from meat on Wednesdays and Saturdays OR With permission of a priest, say five decades of Our Lady’s Most Holy Rosary OR With permission of a priest, substitute some other good work.
Pope Benedict XV, the celebrated World War I Pontiff, granted 500 days indulgence for devoutly kissing your scapular.
Conclusion
The Brown Scapular is a powerful Catholic devotion that has been cherished for centuries. It is a visible sign of the wearer’s dedication to Mary and their desire to live a holy life, and is a means of obtaining spiritual benefits through her intercession. While wearing the Scapular does not guarantee salvation or protection from harm, it can bring many spiritual benefits, including protection from physical harm, assistance at the hour of death, and remission of sins. By enrolling in the Brown Scapular and wearing it constantly, Catholics can deepen their devotion to Mary and participate in the rich spiritual tradition of the Carmelite Order.