Rachel Evans
The Catholic scapular is a garment worn by monks during the Middle Ages as a protective covering over their clothing when they did manual labour. The word scapular comes from the Latin scapula, meaning shoulder blade. Scapulars are worn by members of the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face, and are usually made of brown wool. The brown scapular is the most popular, but the Church has approved 18 different kinds of scapulars, distinguished by colour, symbolism and devotion. The wearing of the scapular is associated with promises of protection and the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etymology | The word scapular comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning shoulder blade. |
| Description | A piece of cloth, about chest-wide from shoulder to shoulder, with an opening for the head, draping down the front and back of the wearer. |
| History | Monks in the Middle Ages used the scapular as a protective covering over their clothing when doing manual labor. |
| Religious Significance | Worn by members of Catholic confraternities as a symbol of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, through her, to Jesus Christ. |
| Variations | The Church has approved 18 different scapulars, including the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order, the green scapular, and the red scapular of Christ's Passion. |
| Norms and Practices | Those wearing the brown scapular are expected to follow norms set by the Carmelite Order, including imitating the praying Virgin and setting aside time for prayer and meditation. |
| Promises and Beliefs | Wearers of the scapular believe in its protective power and that it ensures salvation and a special grace at the hour of death, taking them to Heaven. |
| Enrollment | Only ordained priests of the Catholic Church can enroll a person in the scapular, after which the person becomes a member of the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular. |
| Exceptions | In cases of allergies or skin irritation, the wearer may encase the wool scapular in plastic or wear a Scapular Medal with images of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady instead. |
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What You'll Learn
The scapular's origin and meaning
Scapulars date back to the 7th century and were originally designed for monastic life. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning "shoulder". It is a long piece of cloth that goes over one's head and hangs down the front and back, identifying a specific religious order.
The smaller scapulars were marks of membership in confraternities, which were groups of laity who joined together and attached themselves to the apostolate of a religious community. Over time, the overall lengthy scapular gave way to a much smaller version, which is the type that is commonly worn today.
The wearing of scapulars is associated with several promises and indulgences. One of the primary reasons Catholics wear a scapular today is the belief that they will receive special protection and a special grace at the hour of death. According to legend, the Blessed Mother appeared to Simon Stock, a Carmelite friar, in 1251 and gave him a scapular, saying that whoever dies wearing it will not suffer eternal fire.
The brown scapular is particularly significant, as it is believed to be a sign of the constant protection of the Blessed Virgin and a reminder that devotion to her must become a "habit" in one's Christian conduct. St. John Paul II was a faithful devotee of the brown scapular, and it is said that when he was shot in the 1981 attempt on his life, he asked the doctors not to remove his scapular.
Scapulars are small objects consisting of two parts connected by a chain or ribbon and are usually made of cloth, leather, or metal. They are worn by members of various Christian religious orders, including monks and nuns, and are also worn by individuals who are not members of a religious order. Scapulars typically feature religious images or text, such as the Virgin Mary, saints, or crosses.
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Who wears it and why
The scapular is a garment worn by members of the Catholic faith. It is a sacramental—a sacred sign instituted by the Church to prepare men to receive the fruit of the sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin word "scapula", meaning "shoulder blade".
The garment is made of two rectangular squares of cloth attached by strings and is worn with one square in the front and the other at the back. It is usually worn under clothing. The scapular was first designed by monks during the Middle Ages as a protective covering to be worn over their clothing when they did manual labour outside. It is similar to a poncho and is placed over the head, hanging down equally in the front and back.
The brown scapular is one of the most popular scapulars and is formally known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is worn by members of the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face and those of the Carmelite Order. The conditions under which a layperson may wear the brown scapular vary: an individual may join a formal association of the Carmelite order, such as a secular third order, or they may be ceremoniously enrolled in the order of the brown scapular without joining a formal group. Anyone may wear the brown scapular if it is blessed by a priest or deacon.
The scapular is worn as a symbol of love and commitment to the Blessed Mother and, through her, to Jesus Christ. Legend holds that on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared in a vision to Simon Stock, a prior general of the Carmelites, and gave him the brown scapular, saying:
> Receive, my beloved son, this habit of thy order…whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire.
Those who wear the scapular are expected to follow certain norms identified by the Carmelite order, such as setting aside time to meet God in prayer and meditating on the mysteries of salvation.
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The promises attached to wearing it
The wearing of a scapular is associated with numerous promises and beliefs. The word scapular is derived from the Latin word 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. It is a long piece of cloth that is worn over the shoulders, with one side hanging in the front and the other at the back. The cloth is usually about 24 inches in length and made of wool.
The scapular is believed to be a sign of salvation and protection. Legend has it that on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared to a man named Simon in a vision and gave him the brown scapular, saying:
> Receive, most beloved son, the scapular of thy Order, a sign of my confraternity, a privilege both to thee and to all Carmelites, in which he that dieth shall not suffer eternal fire; behold the sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, the covenant of peace and everlasting alliance.
Another version of the legend states:
> Whoever dies invested with this Scapular shall be preserved from the eternal flames. It is a sign of salvation, a sure safeguard in danger, a pledge of peace and of my special protection until the end of the ages.
The scapular is also associated with the Carmelite Order, and those who wear it are considered part of this spiritual family. By wearing the scapular, one is expected to follow certain norms and imitate the praying Virgin, setting aside time for prayer and meditation, and participating in the liturgy of the Church.
The promises attached to wearing the scapular include special protection, the intercession of the Blessed Mother, and a special grace at the hour of death. It is believed that those who wear the scapular will not perish in Hell but will be taken to Heaven. This belief is reflected in the words stitched onto some brown scapulars: "Whosoever dies wearing this scapular will not suffer eternal fire."
The scapular is not just a symbol of devotion but also of commitment to the Blessed Mother and, through her, to Jesus Christ. It is seen as a "tool" for the perfection and protection of one's soul, a constant reminder of the presence of the Blessed Mother, and a guide towards Heaven.
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The different types of scapulars
Scapulars are a type of garment that is worn by members of monastic orders and other religious congregations. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning "shoulder". Scapulars are typically made of cloth and are worn over the shoulders, with an opening for the head, and drape down the front and back of the wearer. They are often associated with specific religious orders or confraternities and may have symbolic colours and meanings.
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Also known as the "Brown Scapular", this is the most popular and well-known type of scapular. It is rooted in Carmelite tradition and is believed to be a symbol of Mary's maternal protection. According to legend, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, and presented him with the brown scapular, promising protection and grace to those who wear it.
The Red Scapular of Christ's Passion
The Red Scapular is said to have originated from a vision experienced by a Daughter of Charity of St. in 1846. It encourages growth in faith, hope, and charity and is traditionally worn on Fridays.
The Black Scapular of the Seven Sorrows of Mary
This black scapular is associated with the Servite Order, which was established by Pope Alexander IV in 1255. Lay members of the order formed a confraternity honouring the Seven Sorrows of Mary and wore the black scapular as a sign of membership.
The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception
In 1581, Venerable Ursula Benicasa, the foundress of the Order of Theatine Nuns, had a vision of the Immaculate Conception in which she was shown the habit and blue scapular that her community would wear. In 1671, Pope Clement X granted permission for people to be blessed and invested with this scapular.
These are just a few examples of the many different types of scapulars that are recognised by the Catholic Church, each with its own unique colour, symbolism, and devotional purpose.
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The rules and norms of wearing a scapular
The scapular is a garment that was first designed by monks during the Middle Ages as a protective covering to be worn over their clothing when they did manual labour. It is similar to a poncho, placed over the head, sleeveless, and covers the wearer's front and back down to below the knees. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning shoulder blade.
Over time, the scapular became a symbol of a person's devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and their trust in her protection. It is also a sign of their commitment to the Blessed Mother and, through her, to Jesus Christ. The brown scapular, also known as the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is the most popular version.
- The scapular should be worn over the shoulders, with one part hanging over the chest and the other over the back.
- It is meant to be worn at all times, even at night. However, some people may remove it while bathing or doing activities where it could be in the way.
- If someone has an allergy to wool or skin irritation, they can wear the scapular over their clothing, encase it in plastic, or wear a Scapular Medal with images of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady.
- The brown scapular comes with certain expectations outlined by the Carmelite order, including setting aside time for prayer, meditating on the mysteries of salvation, and participating in the liturgy of the Church.
- The scapular should be made of 100% brown wool and be rectangular in shape.
- The smaller scapular worn by laypeople is meant to be a miniature version of what the Carmelites wear and should not be substituted for anything else.
- The blessing and investiture are given to the person wearing the scapular, so if the scapular is lost or broken, a new one can be obtained without needing a new blessing.
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Frequently asked questions
The scapular is a garment first designed by monks during the Middle Ages as a protective covering to be worn over their clothing when they did manual labor. It is a piece of cloth that goes over one's head and hangs down the front and back.
Catholics wear scapulars as a symbol of their love and commitment to the Blessed Mother and through her to Jesus Christ. The wearing of the scapular is also associated with promises of special protection and grace at the hour of death.
The Church has approved 18 different scapulars, distinguished by color, symbolism, and devotion. The most popular is the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order, also known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Other types include the green scapular and the red scapular of Christ's Passion.
