Sarah Mitchell
The Catholic scapular is a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mother and her son, Jesus Christ. It is a garment first designed by monks during the Middle Ages to be worn as a protective covering over their clothing when they did manual labour. The brown scapular is the most popular, but the Church has approved 18 different scapulars for wear. The scapular is typically rectangular and made of wool, but metal scapulars are permitted for those with wool allergies. Those who wear it rarely take it off, and it is seen as a symbol of their commitment to their faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Length | 24 inches |
| Colour | Dark brown or any shade between brown and black |
| Material | Wool or metal for those with wool allergies |
| Ornamentation | Pictures of Our Lady are customary; lace borders are not permitted |
| How to wear | Over the shoulders with one part hanging over the chest and the other over the back |
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What You'll Learn
Cut the cloth to the right size and shape
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 term scapular refers to a significant element of a monk's habit, characterised by the sleeveless garment that drapes over the shoulders.
To make a Catholic scapular, you will need to cut the cloth to the right size and shape. The scapular must be rectangular in shape and should be cut to a length of about 24 inches. The width of the cloth can vary but should be narrow enough to fit through your head, similar to a necklace. The colour of the cloth is typically dark brown, but it can be any shade between brown and black.
The cloth can be made of wool or other materials, depending on your preference and comfort. Wool is the preferred fabric for those enrolling in the Brown Scapular, as it is considered a symbol of grace and devotion. However, metal scapulars are permitted for individuals with wool allergies or sensitivities.
Once the cloth is cut to the appropriate size and shape, you can proceed to decorate and assemble your scapular.
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Join two pieces of cloth with string
The scapular is a garment worn by monks during the Middle Ages as a protective covering 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.
To make a Catholic scapular, you will need two pieces of cloth and string. The cloth should be rectangular and made of wool, with a preference for dark brown shades. The two pieces of cloth should be joined by two strings, with one string at the top and one at the bottom. The length of the string will depend on how low you want the scapular to hang, but it should be at least 24 inches long. The strings will go over the wearer's head, with one part of the cloth hanging over the chest and the other part hanging over the back. You can sew the strings to the cloth to secure them.
You can also decorate your scapular with ornamentation, as long as the prescribed colour of the cloth still predominates. Some people choose to add pictures of Our Lady, which is customary, but make sure the stitch securing the picture is strong enough to hold the weight. Lace borders on picture-bearing scapulars are not recommended.
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Decorate with meaningful symbols
The brown scapular is the most popular and well-known of the different scapulars. It is a symbol of the Carmelites' spiritual devotion to the Virgin Mother. According to tradition, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, and presented him with the brown scapular. She promised that whoever died wearing this scapular would not suffer eternal fire.
The brown scapular is also a symbol of grace and an invitation to foster a deeper relationship with God. It is a reminder of Mary's devotion to Jesus and her readiness to participate in God's work. The scapular is meant to inspire Catholics to reflect the virtues that Mary embodied and to deepen their connection to her.
The scapular is also a symbol of protection and salvation. In the apparition, the Blessed Mother promised special protection for all members of the Carmelite Order and a special grace at the hour of death for all who wear the scapular. She said it would be a "safeguard in dangers, a pledge of peace and of the covenant."
The colour brown is significant, as it is the traditional colour of the Carmelite Order, dating back to the 13th century. The scapular is usually made of wool, but metal scapulars are permitted for those with wool allergies or sensitivities.
When decorating a scapular, it is important to keep in mind the prescribed colour and the symbolism associated with the scapular. Pictures of Our Lady are customary, and the stitch securing the picture should be such that the scapular obviously holds the image. It is also important to ensure that the ornamentation does not jeopardize the validity of the scapular, as lace borders on a picture-bearing scapular are not permitted.
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Wear it draped over the shoulders
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 term "scapular" refers to a significant element of a monk's habit, characterised by the sleeveless garment that drapes over the shoulders. This clothing was akin to an apron, serving as a metaphor for humility and readiness to do God's work, much like Mary's devotion to Jesus.
To wear the scapular draped over the shoulders, it should be placed over the head so that one part hangs over the chest and the other side hangs over the back. It is meant to be worn continuously, and those who wear it rarely take it off except perhaps when bathing. The scapular is a symbol of their love and commitment to the Blessed Mother and through her to Jesus Christ.
The scapular must be rectangular in shape and is usually dark brown, but it can be any shade between brown and black. Ornamentation is permitted, and pictures of the Blessed Mother or Our Lady are even customary. However, the prescribed colour of the scapular must always predominate, and lace borders on a picture-bearing scapular are not allowed.
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Understand the scapular's history and significance
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 in the fields or outside. 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 is derived from the Latin 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade.
It was originally part of the habit of the monastic orders, including the Benedictines, and was later adapted by many other religious communities. The scapular was also worn by laypeople who worked closely with the monastic communities, although they adopted a smaller version of the garment, which was worn around the neck and underneath their clothing. These smaller scapulars became marks of membership in confraternities, groups of laity who joined together, attaching themselves to the apostolate of a religious community and accepting certain rules and regulations.
The brown scapular, which is the most popular version, dates back to the 13th century. According to legend, on 16 July 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock in Cambridge, England, and presented him with the brown scapular. She promised that those who wore it would not "suffer eternal fire". The brown scapular is a sign of the Carmelites' spiritual devotion to the Virgin Mother.
The Prayer of Blessing offered in the Roman Ritual sums up the significance of the scapular:
> "O God, the author and perfecter of all holiness, you call all who are reborn of water and the Holy Spirit to the fullness of the Christian life and the perfection of charity. Look with kindness on those who devoutly receive this scapular (in praise of the Holy Trinity or in honor of Christ's passion or in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary). As long as they live, let them become sharers in the image of Christ your Son and, after they have fulfilled their mission on earth with the help of Mary, the Virgin Mother, receive them into the joy of your heavenly home."
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Frequently asked questions
The word scapular is derived from the Latin word "scapula", meaning shoulder blade. It is a sleeveless garment that monks designed during the Middle Ages as a protective covering to be worn over their clothing when they did manual labour.
A scapular is usually made of wool, but metal scapulars are permitted for those with wool allergies or sensitivities.
The scapular must be rectangular in shape and worn over the shoulders so that one part hangs over the chest and the other over the back.
