Sarah Mitchell
The scapular is a popular item worn by Catholics around their necks. It is made of two rectangular squares of cloth attached by strings, with one square in front and the other at the back. The word scapular comes from the Latin word scapula, meaning shoulder blade. The item has its origins in the 7th century, when it was a long piece of cloth worn by monks as a protective covering when doing manual labour. Over time, the scapular became a symbol of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the brown scapular becoming one of the most popular versions. Catholics who wear the brown scapular are expected to follow certain norms and show their devotion through prayer and other acts. While the exact number of Catholics wearing scapulars is unknown, it is clear that the item holds significant religious and symbolic value for those who choose to wear it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholics wearing a scapular | Millions |
| Who wears it? | Anyone can wear it, including children |
| How often is it worn? | Worn all the time, even by Pope St. John Paul II when he was shot |
| How is it worn? | Placed over the head, with one square in front and the other at the back |
| Colours | Brown, Blue, Black, Green, Red, White |
| Types | The Scapular of the Holy Face, The Veronica, The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, The Blue and Black Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel, The Scapular of St. Benedict, The White Scapular of St. Joseph, The White Scapular of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, The White Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel, The Black Scapular of Our Lady Help of the Sick, The Green Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, The Red Scapular of the Passion |
| Origin | 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 |
| Purpose | Symbol of commitment to the Blessed Mother and through her to Jesus Christ, symbol of Marian devotion, a sacramental |
| Promises | Special protection, the loving intercession of Our Blessed Mother, a special grace at the hour of death, salvation, holiness, protection from eternal damnation |
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What You'll Learn
The scapular's origin and history
The scapular is a garment designed by monks during the Middle Ages as a protective covering to be worn over their clothing when they did manual labour, such as farm work. The word scapular comes from the Latin 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. The garment was originally designed to be worn as a poncho, placed over the head, sleeveless, and covering the wearer's front and back down to below the knees.
The scapular was first mentioned in the 7th century in the Rule of Saint Benedict, where it was referred to as a piece of cloth worn as an apron during work. Over time, the design was modified by various religious communities, and it became known as "the yoke of Christ" and "the shield of Christ".
In the 13th century, the Carmelite order began wearing the brown scapular, which became the most popular version of the garment. According to legend, on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock in Cambridge, England, and presented him with the brown scapular, saying that it was a sign of her confraternity and a promise of salvation for those who wore it.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, devotional scapulars had grown in popularity among Catholics, and specific promises and indulgences were attached to the wearing of these scapulars. The Brown Scapular, in particular, was associated with the Carmelite tradition and the promise of salvation for those who wore it piously.
Today, the scapular continues to be an important symbol for Catholics, with many wearing it as a sign of their devotion to the Blessed Mother and their commitment to their faith. The Church has approved 18 different scapulars, distinguished by colour, symbolism, and devotion, with the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order being the most popular.
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The significance of the brown scapular
The brown scapular, also known as the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is a significant symbol in the Catholic Church. It is a small cloth necklace that is worn by Catholics as a sign of their devotion and commitment to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, through her, to Jesus Christ. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula," meaning shoulder blade, as it is designed to be worn over the shoulders with two pieces of cloth hanging in the front and back.
The brown scapular is believed to have originated in 1251 when, according to legend, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock in Aylesford, England, and presented him with the scapular. She promised that those who died wearing the brown scapular would not suffer eternal damnation. This legend has been questioned by some Church scholars, but it has not diminished the sincerity of Catholics who wear the brown scapular as a symbol of their faith.
Over time, the brown scapular became associated with the Carmelite Order, and it is now an integral part of their habit. The Carmelites see the brown scapular as a sign of their special dedication to Mary, the Mother of God, and their trust in her protection. It also symbolizes their commitment to follow Jesus, like Mary, the perfect model of all the Disciples of Christ. Pope John Paul II, a devout wearer of the brown scapular, wrote a letter to the Carmelite Family in 2001 celebrating the 750th anniversary of its bestowal, emphasizing its significance as a spiritual symbol.
Wearing the brown scapular comes with certain expectations and norms identified by the Carmelite order. These norms include imitating the praying Virgin, setting aside time for prayer and meditation, participating in the liturgy of the Church, and reciting liturgical hours, psalms, or the Rosary. By following these guiding principles, the wearer expresses their devotion to Mary and seeks her favor, believing that she will guide them to Heaven.
The brown scapular holds great importance for Catholics, symbolizing their pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life. It serves as a reminder of their devotion to Mary and their commitment to living according to Christian values. The widespread adoption of the brown scapular by Catholics worldwide underscores its enduring significance as a symbol of faith, protection, and spiritual devotion.
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Different types of scapulars
The Catholic Encyclopedia lists 18 small scapulars approved by the Roman Catholic Church. There are two types of scapulars: monastic and devotional. The former is worn by monks and nuns, while the latter is worn by the laity.
Monastic Scapulars
The monastic scapular is a length of cloth suspended at the front and back from the shoulders of the wearer, reaching either to the hem of the tunic or ending at knee height. It may vary in shape, colour, size, and style. The cloth is about 14 to 18 inches wide, with an opening for the head in the middle. The two segments of cloth may be confined by cross segments passing under the arms. The colour of the cloth depends on the mystery in honour of which it is worn.
Devotional Scapulars
Devotional scapulars are objects of popular piety, worn by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans. They are usually made up of two rectangular pieces of cloth, wool, or other fabric connected by bands. The bands run over the shoulders, with one rectangle hanging over the chest and the other resting on the back. Some scapulars have extra bands running under the arms to prevent them from slipping. The roots of devotional scapulars can be traced to the gathering of laity into confraternities for spiritual direction.
Examples of Scapulars
The six most popular scapulars are:
- The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: This is the best-known and most popular scapular. It is also known as the Scapular of the Carmelite Order. According to tradition, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, and presented him with the scapular.
- The White Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity: This scapular was approved when Pope Innocent III had a vision of an angel wearing a white garment with a cross of blue and red on the chest.
- The Blue and Black Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel: This scapular was raised to the rank of an archconfraternity by Leo XIII in 1880.
- The Scapular of St. Benedict: This scapular was approved in 1882.
- The White Scapular of St. Joseph: This scapular was approved in 1898.
- The White Scapular of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: This scapular was approved in 1900.
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The promises and indulgences attached to wearing a scapular
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 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.
Devotional scapulars are objects of popular piety, primarily worn by Roman Catholics, as well as some Anglicans and Lutherans, designed to show the wearer's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life, as well as reminding the wearer of that promise. Some devotional scapulars bear images, or verses from scripture.
Devotional scapulars and the indulgences attached to them grew along with the growth of Catholic confraternities during the 17th and 18th centuries. The fact that specific promises and indulgences were attached to the wearing of scapulars helped increase their following, as was seen with the early example of the Brown Scapular. This promise was based on the Carmelite tradition that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock at Cambridge, England, in 1251 in answer to his appeal for help for his oppressed order. She recommended the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to him and promised salvation for the faithful who wore it piously.
The Brown Scapular Promise, also known as the Sabbatine Privilege, was promulgated and taught through the famous Bull Sacratissimo Uti Culmine (Sabbatine Bull) of Pope John XXII in 1322 and given definitive ratification in 1908 by the Holy See. The Blessed Virgin Mary promised to deliver Her faithful children who have worn the Scapular devoutly from purgatory soon after their death, notably the first Saturday after death.
The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, which dates to 1617, was eventually granted a significant number of indulgences, and many graces were promised to those who would honour the Immaculate Conception by wearing the Blue Scapular and live chastely according to their state in life. The Green Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1877, and the white Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel received the approval of Leo XIII in 1893 for invoking Mary's guidance upon its wearer.
The Black Scapular of Our Lady Help of the Sick, for the Confraternity founded by St. Camillus de Lellis, was approved by Pius IX in 1860. In 1863, he also approved the Green Scapular, which is not from a confraternity but an image inspired by a vision of the Blessed Mother experienced by Sr. Justine Bisqueyburu from the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. The Scapular of the Holy Face, also known as The Veronica, was approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1885.
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The scapular's role in modern times
The scapular, a small cloth necklace, is a symbol of commitment to the Blessed Mother and through her to Jesus Christ. It is derived from the Latin word 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. The garment was first designed by monks in the Middle Ages to be worn as a protective covering while doing manual labour. It is worn by placing it over the head, and it covers the front and back of the wearer, extending below the knees.
Over the centuries, the basic scapular has been adapted by various religious orders, resulting in distinct designs, colours, shapes, and lengths. The most popular scapular is the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order, formally known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is believed that wearing this scapular will protect the wearer from the fires of hell. According to legend, the Blessed Mother appeared to Simon Stock, a Carmelite, in 1251 and said, "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."
The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, dating back to 1617, is another example of a devotional scapular that has gained a significant following. The Green Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, approved by Pope Pius IX in 1877, and the White Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel, approved by Leo XIII in 1893, are also notable.
In modern times, the scapular continues to play a significant role for Catholics and some Anglicans and Lutherans. It is seen as more than just a symbol of devotion; it represents a pledge or promise to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life. The wearing of the scapular comes with certain expectations and norms to be followed, such as imitating the praying Virgin and setting aside time for prayer and meditation. It is believed that the scapular wearer will receive special protection, the intercession of the Blessed Mother, and grace at the hour of death.
The popularity of the scapular among religious communities has also influenced laypeople, who wear it to express their devotion and seek protection from the Mother of God. The smaller versions of the scapular, known as "reduced scapulars," can be worn under regular clothing, making them unobtrusive for daily life.
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Frequently asked questions
A scapular is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Catholic Church. It is made of two rectangular squares of cloth attached by strings and worn with one square in front and the other at the back. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin word "scapula", meaning "shoulder blade".
Catholics wear scapulars as a symbol of their love and commitment to the Blessed Mother and through her to Jesus Christ. The wearing of scapulars is also associated with certain norms and promises, such as imitating the praying Virgin and setting aside time to meet God in prayer.
There are 18 small scapulars approved by the Roman Catholic Church, including the White Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity, the Blue and Black Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel, the Scapular of St. Benedict, and the White Scapular of St. Joseph. The most well-known Catholic scapular is the brown scapular, which is said to represent the brown wool habit of the Carmelite order.
Anyone can wear a scapular, even children. There is a scapular investment ceremony that can be performed by a priest, after which the wearer is expected to faithfully wear the scapular and keep the spiritual commitments attached to it.
