By Jacqueline Kelly –
The English word “scapular” is derived from the Latin word scapulae, which mean “shoulders”.
Our Lord taught us to say the “Our Father”. Mary taught us the value of the Scapular.
There are two types of scapulars, the monastic and the devotional. The “monastic scapulars” are part of the monastic habit and the “devotional scapular” is a much smaller version and evolved from the monastic scapular. The monastic scapular is related to the distinctive garment of a monk or nun worn in the Eastern tradition.
Also read:
The Scapular: Cloak of Many Colours
Both set of scapulars come with a set of promises and are rooted in tradition and others are formally approved by religious founders.
The scapular started with the Benedictines and later was adapted by other religious communities. At first, the scapular served more as an apron worn during work, especially farm work. The Rule of St. Benedict was identified as the “scapulare propter opera” [the scapular because of works].
After the 9th century, a monk received the scapular after the profession of vows, and it came to be known as “the yoke of Christ” [Iugum Christi] and “the shield of Christ” [Scutum Christi].
While certain modifications were made by the various communities, the scapular was a distinctive part of the religious habit. Over a period of time, lay people who worked closely with the monastic communities adopted a smaller version of the scapular. These smaller versions of the scapular became even more popular among the laity.
The scapular ought not to be tucked or pinned; it must be worn around the neck, so that one piece of cloth hangs in front, one in the back. The proper way to get rid of a worn out scapular – or any sacramental – is to either burn it or bury it.
It is said that the scapular of St. Francis de Sales and St. John Bosco remained intact, not turned to dust.
Marian Scapulars
One of the most noticeable signs being a Marian devotee is the wearing of a Marian scapular. Those who wear a Marian scapular are effectively placing themselves under the special protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The scapular is as the Blessed Virgin herself has declared, “a safeguard in danger”. The scapular should be worn with faith and it is an indication of telling Mary that she is honoured, loved and venerated.
Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel
The small scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel [White Scapular] was presented by the Hermits of Saint Augustine to Pope Leo XIII, who in December 1893, approved it and endowed it with indulgences. Pope Leo XIII also added the invocations “Mater Boni Consilii” in the Litany of Loreto. This scapular is made in the usual way of two pieces of white wool joined together by double cords or bands. One part has an image of Blessed Virgin made of silk or similar material, with the lettering “Mother of Good Counsel”, as venerated at the Shrine of Genazzano. The other part has the Papal coat–of-arms namely, tiara with the keys, and the lettering: “Child, follow Her counsel” [Pope Leo XIII]
Scapular of Mary Immaculate Mediatrix of All Graces
This scapular was revealed by Our Lady on 25th March, 1992, the year of the Fatima 75th Jubilee. “My little One! To all who wear this scapular faithfully, I promise to grant before they die, the last Sacrament of the Church. This shall be the sign of your consecration to my Immaculate Heart”.!
The Brown Scapular
Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel [Carmelites] A.D. 1251
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was first instituted in the late 14th century. From the dawn of its history the Habit of Carmel has been a sign of Consecration to Mary and a sign of her special love and pledge of her motherly protection.
According to John Haffert in his book, “The sign of Her Heart”, in the pages of an ancient history of the Carmelite Order [written in medieval Latin by a forgotten writer named Ventimiglia] Saint Dominic said, “One day, Brother Angelus to your Order of Carmel the Most Blessed Virgin Mary will give a devotion to be known as the Brown Scapular, and to my Order of Preachers, She will give a devotion to be known as the Rosary.” AND ONE DAY, THROUGH THE ROSARY AND THE SCAPULAR, SHE WILL SAVE THE WORLD.
In another book “Mary in Her Scapular Promise – Scapular – Marian Treasure” John Haffert states: “Our Lady brought Salvation with her. She had contained Christ as manna in the ark of her womb, and brought Him forth to be the Food and Salvation of the world”, so, in giving herself to us in the scapular, she wills to give us the Food of Angels.
The Brown Scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel, associated with the Carmelite Order, is well-known and is the Habit of Carmel in miniature form.
In A.D. 16 July, 1251, Our Lady appeared to Saint Simon Stock in Cambridge, England after he prayed for help for his Order. She appeared to him with the scapular and said, “Take, beloved son this scapular of thy order as a badge of my confraternity and for thee and all Carmelites a special 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.”
The Scapular used to be a richly indulgent object of devotion in the Church. Father Crasset relates that Mother Mary appeared to Pope John XXII and commanded him to make it known that all those who should wear this scapular would be delivered from purgatory on the Saturday after their death. This was later confirmed by Pope Alexander V, Pope Clement VII and other Pontiffs. Pope Benedict XV granted an indulgence of 500 days each time the Scapular is kissed.
The Brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a gift to you from Your Heavenly Mother.
May this devotion unite us closer to Mary.