THE BROWN SCAPULAR

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"

History of Brown Scapular
The Brown Scapular is a Roman Catholic devotion to Mary under her title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is worn as a sign of love and devotion for the Mother of God. The Scapular was presented by Our Lady to St. Simon Stock, the Father General of the Carmelite Order, on July 16, 1251. Mary stated the following promise to him concerning the Scapular: "Whosoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire...it shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace. Another important aspect of wearing the Scapular is the Sabbatine Privilege. This concerns a promise made by Our Lady to Pope John XXII. In a papal letter he issued, he recounted a vision that he had had. He stated that the Blessed Virgin had said to him in this vision, concerning those who wear the Brown Scapular: "I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in Purgatory, I shall free, so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting." According to Church tradition, there are three conditions necessary to participate in this Privilege and share in the other spiritual benefits of the Scapular: wear the Brown Scapular, observe chastity according to your state in life, and pray the Rosary. In addition to the Sabbatine Privilege, enrollment in the Brown Scapular also makes a person part of the Carmelite family throughout the world. They therefore share in all of the prayers and good works of the Carmelite Orders. Participation in the Carmelite family also, of course, places you in a special relationship with the Carmelite saints, especially St. Elijah, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux, and, most importantly, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Many popes and saints have strongly recommended wearing, the Brown Scapular to the Catholic Faithful, including St. Robert Bellarmine, Pope John XXII, Pope Pius Xl, and Pope Benedict XV. For example, St. Alphonsus said: "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. Pope Pius XII went so far as to say: "The Scapular is a practice of piety which by its very simplicity is suited to everyone, and has spread widely among the faithful of Christ to their spiritual profit." In our own times, Pope Paul VI said: "Let the faithful hold in high esteem the practices and devotions to the Blessed Virgin...the Rosary and the Scapular of Carmel" and in another place referred to the Scapular as: "so highly recommended by Our illustrious predecessors." In order to receive the spiritual blessings associated with the Scapular, it is necessary to be formally enrolled in the Brown Scapular by either a priest or a lay person who has been given this faculty. Once enrolled, the enrollment is for life and need not be repeated. Anyone, adult or infant, who has not previously been enrolled may be enrolled in the Brown Scapular. Participation in this devotion is open to non-Catholics as well.

Carmelite Hopes Anniversary Renews Popular Devotion
Vatican City (CNS) - Karol Wojtyla received the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel when he was about 10 years old. As Pope John Paul II, he is still wearing it, 70 years later.
The Pope is expected to write about the scapular and Marian devotion in the coming months as Carmelites around the world mark what may be the 750th anniversary of the scapular.
The anniversary is connected to a pious tradition that Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite, in 1251 and gave him the scapular, an apron-like brown piece of fabric that fits over the head.
Over time, lay people joining confraternities connected with the Carmelites also received the scapular.
Today the small scapular has two stamp-sized cards - one with a picture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the other of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or of St. Simon - sewn onto brown fabric and connected with brown ribbons.
The Carmelite Priest, a native of Connecticut, promotes the scapular, but with a clear view of reaching modern men and women and ensuring the devotion does not stray into superstition.
The traditional story about the vision says Mary told St. Simon that whoever wore the scapular would be saved from the fires of hell.
Although not nearly as popular as it was 40 years ago, the scapular is still second only to the rosary as a frequently used Marian devotion, Father Valabek said.
While people are technically enrolled in the scapular confraternity, when they received it, there is no longer a central registry of their names and therefore, no way to know how many people use the devotion.
Father Valabek hinted that he and other Carmelites would like to see a return to the registry and, even more, a renewed awareness of the scapular's connection to the Carmelite community and its spirituality.
Pope John Paul knew the connection even as a youth.
In his 1996 book, "Gift and Mystery", he wrote of the "Marian thread" running through his youth and the development of his vocation to the priesthood.

"On a hilltop in Wadowice," his hometown, "there was a Carmelite monastery," the Pope wrote. "People from Wadowice would go there in great numbers, and this was reflected in the widespread use of the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
"I, too, received the scapular, I think at the age of 10, and I still wear it, "he wrote.
The scapular's origin was as part of the Carmelite habit, a symbol of belonging to the order and living its rule.
The tradition that Mary told St. Simon anyone wearing it would not go to hell makes sense if one realizes that wearing the scapular meant striving with one's whole being to live the Gospel, Father Valabek said.
The scapular "has hit hard times, like many popular devotions," Father Valabek said, but he is hopeful the anniversary celebration will mark its return among Catholics and a new focus on Carmelite spirituality.
The brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most popular devotion involving wearing of a scapular in the Catholic Church today. In the Middle Ages, a scapular was a full-length garment (apron)worn over other clothing by monks and nuns, the color signifying the particular religious order. The brown scapular was revealed to St. Simon Stock, the Prior General of the Carmelite order in 1247. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him the scapular and associated promises as a result of his pledge of complete loyalty to her (known as a privilegium). The smaller version of the scapular is worn by lay associates.

Saints and popes throughout the ages have worn and encouraged wearing of the brown scapular, and many miraculous events have attested to the value of the sacramental (the scapular worn by Blessed Pope Gregory X, who died in 1276, was found intact in 1830).
Practices
1. Wear the Brown Scapular (or scapular medal) after enrollment*
2. Observe chastity according to your state in life
3. Recite the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or five decades of the Rosary daily (usual requirements)
Promises/Benefits
1. "...whosoever dies wearing this (the brown scapular) shall not suffer eternal fire" (Virgin Mary's promise to St. Simon)
2. Partial indulgence granted by Pope Benedict XV to those who devoutly kiss the scapular
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3. Sabbatine Priviledge: release from purgatory on the first Saturday after death (revelation by the Virgin to Pope John XXII in 1322). Please note that much controversy has surrounded this 'promise' since it promotion by some early Carmelites. The modern Order does not recognize this as legitimate. It is mentioned here for informational purposes.
* Enrollment involves a priest blessing the first brown scapular with this prayer:
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.
After enrollment in the Confraternity of the Scapular, the scapular may be replaced by a Carmelite scapular medal worn around the neck. The enrollment is for a lifetime and need not be repeated, and new scapulars do not need to be blessed again but scapular medals do.
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
A magnificent assurance of salvation is Our Lady’s Brown Scapular. One of the great mysteries of our time is that the great majority of Catholics either ignore or have forgotten the Blessed Virgin Mary’s promise that "whoever dies wearing this (Scapular) shall not suffer eternal fire." She further says: "Wear it devoutly and perseveringly. It is my garment. To be clothed in it means you are continually thinking of me, and I in turn, am always thinking of you and helping you to secure eternal life."
Many Catholics may not know that 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 any one who substitutes the medal out of vanity, or fear to make open profession of religion. Such persons run the risk of not receiving the Promise. The medal has never been noted for any of the miraculous preservations attributed to the Brown Cloth Scapular.
During the Scapular Anniversary celebration in Rome, Pope Pius XII told a very large audience to wear the brown Scapular as a sign of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Our Lady asked for this consecration in the last apparition at Fatima, when She appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding the Brown Scapular out to the whole world. It was her last loving appeal to souls to wear her Scapular as a sign of Consecration to her Immaculate Heart.
Blessed Claude de la Colombiere, the renowned Jesuit and spiritual director of St. Margaret Mary, gives a point which is enlightening. He said: "Because all the forms of our love for the Blessed Virgin, all its various modes of expression cannot be equally pleasing to Her, and therefore do not assist us in the same degree to Heaven, I say without a moment’s hesitation the BROWN SCAPULAR is the most favored of all!" He also adds: "No devotion has been confirmed by more numerous authentic miracles than the Brown Scapular."
Fatima and The Brown Scapular
It is August in Fatima and the weather is hot. For a man from San Diego, who lived within walking distance to the beach for 40 years, it was time to hit the beach in Nazare. I spent two days at the beach where I encountered thousands of Portuguese People in bathing suits for the first time. I had spent many weeks on the beach in the south of Portugal in the Algarve, but that is more English than Portuguese, so it did not strike me as a problem until I went to Nazare, where it is almost all Portuguese People, and mostly families (father, mother and children). In all those thousands of people the only Scapular I saw was on me. I wear a very large unbreakable brown Scapular. Not only that but what I noticed is that they were all looking at my Scapular and did not know what it was.
These people so dedicated to Our Lady, and living in a country so blessed by Our Lady down through the centuries from Her First Apparition in 732 AD, do not know what the Scapular of Our Lady is.
Mrs. June Dora had sent me two beautiful Ladder Rosaries and I gave one to Sister Isabelle at the Carmelite Convent in Coimbra and the other I took around Fatima seeing if anyone had ever heard of it, and no one did. My intention was to see if there was a market for them, but what I noticed was that there were almost no Scapulars in the stores. Finally I ran into one of the distributors of the rosaries and statues for the stores and talked at great length with him regarding the Ladder Rosary and the Scapular. Not only did he not sell the Scapular, he did not even know what it was.
This is Fatima. This is the greatest Marian Shrine in the world. No Scapulars? I need help. Our Lady needs help. I need Scapulars, strong ones, and little cards that explain the Scapular. Here in Fatima I will make posters to hold the cards and the Scapulars and in time have them made here, but at first we need Scapulars.
SCAPULAR POSTERS
"Whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire"
Our Lady to St. Simon Stock
"One day, through the rosary and the scapular, she will save the world."
St. Dominic
At Fatima, on October 13, 1917, Our Lady performed the great miracle of the sun. While 70,000 people witnessed this miracle, the three children saw Our Lady with the Rosary; Our Lord; St. Joseph with Child Jesus; Our Lady in blue; and finally, Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the Brown Scapular. The very fact that she was holding the brown scapular tells us that she wants us to take it and use it!
"The Rosary and the scapular are inseparable!"
Sister Lucia
HISTORY OF THE BROWN SCAPULAR
Mount Carmel is on the northwestern coast of Palestine. The Origin of Carmel goes back to about 860 B.C. to the time of the prophet Elias.
Elias founded a community of prophets on Mount Carmel. When Christianity came to Palestine they became known as the Carmelites hermits, the spiritual sons of Elias. They led a life of contemplation, modeled after Elia, and were known for their devotion to God's Mother. So great was their devotion that they were known as the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
At the time of the Saracen invasion, they were forced to leave for Europe. It was in England that Simon Stock, their first Vicar General, in 1251 AD prayed to Our Lady for Her protection. While praying, Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, giving him the Brown Scapular saying to him:
"Receive, my beloved son, this habit of thy order: This shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege, that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire"
The scapular was not something new to medieval Europe. It had been around since around 550, when the monastic orders came about. The two pieces of cloth joined at the shoulders and hanging down the back and breast had deep spiritual meaning. Our Lord said in the gospels, 'My yoke is sweet and my burden is light.' The monks by putting on this garment realized that the sweet burden of Divine service was upon him and the whole day was dedicated to God.
On March 3, 1322 an even greater favor was conferred. On this date Pope John XXII issued a Bull, "Sacratissimo uti Culmine". In it he stated that the Blessed Virgin appeared to him asking him, as Christ's Vicar on Earth, to ratify indulgences for the scapular already granted in Heaven. This has come to be known as the 'Sabbatine Privilege'.
Our Heavenly Mother has promised to those who wear her brown scapular, observe chastity according to their state in life and daily recite the Office (members of the World Apostolate of Fatima are allowed to substitute the rosary for the Office), that "I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend into purgatory on the Saturday after their death and bring into heaven all confraternity members I find in purgatory ."
All who are enrolled in the Brown Scapular belong to the Confraternity.
In 1917, Our Lady came to Fatima, Portugal asking us to pray the rosary, offer up our daily duties and to wear her brown scapular. Our Heavenly Mother has given us the tools we need to fight the world, the flesh and the devil! All we have to do is use them!
For a complete story of the Brown Scapular read "Doorway To HeavenEN" by Katie Moran in this web site.