Rachel Evans
The brown cloth necklaces worn by Catholics are called scapulars. They are a type of Catholic necklace worn as a symbol of faith and protection. The brown scapular is the most popular variation of the scapular and is formally known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is a miniature version of the original scapular, which was worn as two large pieces of cloth attached at the shoulders. The brown scapular is made with two small squares of wool connected by a brown cord, with one square worn on the chest and the other between the shoulder blades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Scapular |
| Colour | Brown |
| Material | Wool |
| Design | Two small pieces of cloth connected by strings or ribbons |
| Front | Image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel |
| Back | Words "Pray for us" |
| Symbolises | Devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus |
| Other colours | Blue |
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What You'll Learn
The history of the brown scapular
The brown cloth necklaces worn by Catholics are known as scapulars, and they have a long and significant history within the Catholic tradition. These scapulars are sacred vestments that have been a part of Catholic devotion for centuries, with their origins dating back to the 13th century.
The brown scapular became a distinctive part of the Carmelite habit, symbolizing their dedication to Mary and her son, Jesus Christ. Over time, the scapular became a popular devotion for lay Catholics as well, who sought to emulate the piety and spirituality of the Carmelites. The brown scapular has come to represent a commitment to a life of prayer, service, and devotion to Mary, and it is often worn as a tangible reminder of one's faith and dedication to God.
According to tradition, the Virgin Mary promised special blessings and protection to those who faithfully wear the scapular. This promise, known as the "Sabbatine Privilege," is associated with a vision experienced by Pope John XXII in the 14th century. In this vision, Mary promised that those devoted to her through the scapular would be released from purgatory on the first Saturday after their death.
In 1607, Pope Paul V extended the privileges of the brown scapular to those who were unable to join a religious order but desired to participate in the spiritual benefits it offered. This extension made the scapular devotion accessible to the laity, and it quickly spread throughout the Catholic world. Today, the brown scapular continues to be a popular devotion, with many Catholics wearing it as a sign of their devotion to Mary and their desire to live a holy life.
The brown scapular has become a symbol of Mary's maternal protection and a reminder of her presence in the lives of those who wear it. Through this simple yet powerful devotion, Catholics find inspiration to live according to the teachings of Christ and to grow closer to God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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Who wears the brown scapular?
The brown scapular, also known as the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is a popular necklace among Catholics. It is a symbol of devotion to Mary and a commitment to living a faith-filled life. The brown scapular is most commonly associated with the Carmelite Order, and those who wear it are considered part of this order.
The brown scapular is a miniature version of the original Carmelite habit, which included a brown belted tunic, brown scapular, hood, and white mantle. The Carmelites adopted this habit when they moved to Europe in the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, wearing a habit was an essential part of the identity of members of religious orders.
The brown scapular was first promoted to the laity in the 16th century by Giovanni Battista Rossi, the prior general of the Carmelites. To be eligible to wear the brown scapular, one must either join a formal association of the Carmelite order or be ceremoniously enrolled in the order of the brown scapular. Individuals can also wear the brown scapular if it is blessed by a priest or deacon.
The brown scapular is typically made of two pieces of brown cloth, with one segment hanging on the wearer's chest and the other on their back, joined by straps or strings that overlap the shoulders. The scapular is meant to be worn continuously and is often sewn or pinned to an undergarment to keep it in place.
The brown scapular is believed to offer protection and spiritual benefits to the wearer. According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary promised to save those who wear the scapular from the fires of hell and shorten their stay in purgatory. This promise, known as the Scapular Promise or the Sabbatine Privilege, has been promulgated by popes and is found in a bull of Pope John XXII.
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What does the brown scapular symbolise?
The brown scapular is a symbol of the wearer's devotion to, and trust in the protection of, the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. It is also a symbol of their commitment to follow Jesus, like Mary, the perfect model of all the Disciples of Christ.
The brown scapular is a small cloth necklace, consisting of two pieces of brown cloth with one segment hanging on the wearer's chest and the other on their back, joined by two straps that overlap the shoulders. It is worn under the clothes.
The brown scapular is the most popular of 18 different scapulars approved by the Catholic Church. It is also known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and is the habit of the Carmelite laity.
According to legend, on 16 July 1251, the Virgin Mary appeared to St Simon Stock, a Carmelite, and gave him a brown woollen 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."
The brown scapular came to symbolise the Carmelites' special dedication to Mary, and their trust in her motherly protection, as well as their desire to emulate her commitment to Christ and to others.
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How to wear the brown scapular
The brown scapular is a symbol of faithful devotion and a reminder of the wearer's call to emulate Christ in their daily lives. It is a miniature version of the Carmelite Religious Habit, a sleeveless garment that monks in the Middle Ages wore as a protective covering when doing manual labour.
To wear the brown scapular, you must first enrol in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular, which is affiliated with the Carmelite Order. To do this, you need to be Catholic and talk to your priest about going through a short ceremony. You can purchase a brown scapular at a Catholic bookstore or ask your priest for one.
The first scapular you receive must be blessed by an ordained priest of the Catholic Church before you put it on. You can wear it under or over your clothing, with one part hanging over your chest and the other side hanging over your back. It is meant to be worn continuously, even at night, and only taken off when bathing or exercising.
If you get another scapular after your first one wears out, the new one doesn't need to be blessed. It is important to remember that wearing the brown scapular is a commitment to living a life of faith and devotion. As you wear it, you should strive to live a life of prayer and devotion so that the scapular will have its intended effect.
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Other Catholic necklaces
The brown cloth necklaces worn by Catholics are called scapulars. They are a symbol of the wearer's love and devotion to God and are rarely taken off. The brown scapular of the Carmelite Order, also known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is one of the most popular scapulars.
Catholics wear several other types of necklaces as part of their religious practices and to express their faith. Here are some examples:
Crucifix necklaces are one of the most iconic and widely worn Catholic necklaces. They feature a depiction of Jesus Christ on the cross, emphasising His sacrifice for humanity. Many Catholics wear these necklaces as a reminder of Christ's love and redemption. They are often gifted for sacraments like Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation.
Rosary necklaces are another type of Catholic necklace. The rosary is a sacred devotional tool in Catholicism, and wearing a rosary necklace can serve as a reminder to pray and meditate on the mysteries of Christ. Rosary necklaces typically include a crucifix and a Marian centerpiece.
Saint medals are also commonly worn by Catholics. These necklaces feature a medal dedicated to a particular saint, such as the St. Christopher Protection & Guidance Necklace or the Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict. Wearing a saint medal can be a way to feel connected to a specific saint or seek their intercession and protection.
The Miraculous Medal is a beloved piece of Catholic jewellery designed after the visions of St. Catherine Labouré in 1830. It features an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Catholics wear this necklace as a sign of devotion to Mary and as a source of spiritual strength and protection.
Cross necklaces are also popular among Catholics. While a crucifix includes Jesus on the cross, a simple cross necklace symbolises Christ's victory over sin and death.
These necklaces are more than just accessories; they are spiritual practices rooted in devotion, prayer, and tradition. They serve as reminders of faith, sources of protection, and conversation starters about faith and evangelisation.
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Frequently asked questions
They are called scapular necklaces, and they are a sacred Catholic devotional item worn as a symbol of faith and protection.
The brown scapular is believed to have been first presented to Saint Simon Stock by Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Mary) on July 16, 1251.
The brown scapular is a symbol of Marian devotion. It is believed that whoever dies clothed in this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.
The brown scapular is worn under the clothing, with one square of wool in front of the chest and another square on the back between the shoulder blades.
You can buy and wear a new one as the blessing and enrollment are given to the wearer. However, there are conditions under which a layperson may wear the brown scapular. They can either join a formal association of the Carmelite order or be ceremoniously enrolled in the order without joining a group.
