Joshua Bennett
The scapular is a garment worn by many Catholics to symbolise their love and devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The word 'scapular' comes from the Latin 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. The garment is designed to be worn over the shoulders, with two rectangular pieces of cloth connected by bands, one hanging over the chest and the other over the back. The brown scapular is the most popular, symbolising the wearer's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life. It is believed that wearing the scapular saves souls from hell and rescues them from purgatory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbol of a Catholic's love and devotion to God and Mary |
| Symbol of a Catholic's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life | |
| Symbol of protection from hell and rescue from purgatory | |
| Symbol of salvation, a safeguard in danger, the covenant of peace and everlasting alliance | |
| Symbol of Mary's protection and a reminder to emulate her life and devotion to Jesus | |
| Symbol of humility and readiness to do God's work | |
| Symbol of a Catholic's commitment to a spiritual 'habit' or way of life | |
| Symbol of a Catholic's commitment to the Immaculate Heart of Mary | |
| Material | Cloth, wool, metal |
| Colours | Brown, blue, white, black |
| Variations | The Scapular of the Holy Face (The Veronica), 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 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The scapular's history and design
The scapular is a garment first designed by monks during the Middle Ages as a protective covering to be worn over their clothing when doing manual labour. The word scapular is derived from the Latin 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. The original monastic scapular 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.
The scapular was also referred to as a 'scutum' or shield, as it protected the head and upper body. Over time, the scapular became a symbol of obedience, with the term 'yoke of Christ' being associated with its use. The removal of a scapular was akin to removing the 'yoke of Christ'.
The smaller scapular, as we know it today, came about when laypeople wanted to wear similar garments to imitate the pious ways of the monks. The lengthy scapular was impractical for laypeople, so a miniature version was designed, consisting of two rectangular panels of cloth joined by string and worn over the shoulders. The smaller scapular typically measures about 24 inches in length, with small blocks of engraved wool material at each end, meant to slip over the head and hang equally on the front and back.
The brown scapular is one of the most popular versions, known formally as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. According to legend, in 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite monk, and presented him with the brown scapular. She promised that those who died wearing the brown scapular would not suffer eternal damnation.
The wearing of a scapular is a sign of devotion and commitment to the Blessed Mother and, through her, to Jesus Christ. It is a reminder of Mary's presence in our lives and our call to emulate Christ in our daily actions.
All Souls' Day: Catholic Holiday or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Symbolism and meaning
The scapular is a Western Christian garment suspended from the shoulders. There are two types: monastic and devotional. The monastic scapular is believed to have originated as early as the 7th century AD in the Order of Saint Benedict, as a length of cloth suspended at the front and back from the wearer's shoulders. The devotional scapular, on the other hand, is an object of popular piety, reminding wearers of their commitment to a Christian life.
The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning shoulder blade. It 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 brown scapular is one of the most beloved Marian devotionals in the history of the Church. It is a sign of the wearer's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life, as well as a reminder of that promise. It is also a symbol of Marian devotion for Catholics. The brown scapular is the most popular, but the Church has approved 18 different scapulars for wear.
The brown scapular is also known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the scapular of the Carmelite family. It is a sign of love for Mary, of trust in her protection, and of the commitment to live like her. It is a symbol of the special dedication of Carmelites to Mary, the Mother of God, and to express trust in her motherly protection as well as the desire to be like her in her commitment to Christ and to others. It is also a reminder to all Carmelites to contemplate the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The scapular is not a "magic amulet". It is an external sign of the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary and the faithful who entrust themselves to her protection. It is a reminder of being clothed with Mary's own readiness to participate in God's work and her devotion to Jesus. It serves as a constant reminder of our call to emulate Christ in our daily lives. This humble piece of cloth or metal signifies being clothed in the garments of Salvation, offering us a tangible connection to our faith. By adopting the scapular, individuals embrace it as a sacramental, representing their love and devotion to God.
The Nicene Creed: Catholic or Universal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Who wears it and why
The scapular is primarily worn by Roman Catholics, as well as some Anglicans and Lutherans. It 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 word "scapula", which means “shoulder blade”.
The brown scapular is one of the most beloved and popular devotional scapulars in the history of the Church. It is a sign approved by the Church and accepted by the Carmelite Order as an external sign of love for Mary, of the trust her children have in her, and of the commitment to live like her. It is a sign of Mary, reminding all Carmelites to contemplate the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also seen as a consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary because those who wear it make certain promises to obtain the favours granted by Our Lady.
The brown scapular is also a symbol of Marian devotion for Catholics. It is believed that the Virgin Mary gave instructions about the brown scapular to St. Simon Stock, who founded communities at Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna while promulgating the scapular. It is also believed that she appeared to Pope John XXII, assuring him that she would descend on the Saturday after the death of those who wore the brown scapular and free them from purgatory.
The scapular is worn by those who want to deepen their connection to Mary and encourage greater reliance on her intercession in their prayers. It is also worn by those who want to be reminded of their commitment to live a Christian life and emulate Christ in their daily lives.
Jordan Peterson: Catholic Convert or Cultural Tourist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The brown scapular's significance
The brown scapular is one of the most popular sacramentals among Catholics. It is a symbol of devotion and obedience to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patroness of the Carmelite Order. The scapular, derived from the Latin word 'scapula' meaning shoulder blade, was originally a significant element of a monk's habit, draped over the shoulders like an apron.
The brown scapular is believed to have been presented to Saint Simon Stock by the Virgin Mary on July 16, 1251, in Aylesford, England. According to legend, Mary promised that whoever died wearing the brown scapular would not suffer eternal damnation. This promise, known as the Sabbatine privilege, has been a subject of debate among Church scholars. However, it highlights the sincere devotion of Catholics who wear the brown scapular as a symbol of their faith.
The brown scapular is typically made of two rectangular pieces of brown cloth, joined by strings or straps and worn with one piece hanging on the chest and the other on the back. It is meant to be worn under the clothing, close to the skin, as a constant reminder of one's devotion to God and the Virgin Mary. The scapular is not meant to be a magical talisman but rather a symbol of one's pledge to imitate Mary's virtues and deepen their connection to her.
To receive the brown scapular, a Catholic undergoes a simple ceremony or investment rite led by a priest. This ritual signifies the wearer's special relationship with Mary and their commitment to live according to the spirituality of the Carmelite Order. The brown scapular is not just a piece of cloth but a tangible expression of one's faith, love, and devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Elizabeth's Approach to Catholics: Strategies and Challenges
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other types of scapulars
The Church has approved 18 different scapulars for wear, distinguished by colour, symbolism and devotion. Most scapulars signify a person's affiliation with a particular confraternity. Here is a description of some of the most popular ones:
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Also known as the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, this is the best-known and most popular of the different scapulars. According to tradition, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock at Cambridge, England, on Sunday, July 16, 1251, and presented him with the scapular. It is said that whoever dies in this garment will not suffer eternal fire.
The Red Scapular of Christ's Passion
This scapular is said to have been revealed in a vision to a Daughter of Charity. It encourages growth in faith, hope, and charity, especially when worn on Fridays.
The White Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity
This scapular was approved in 1193.
The Blue and Black Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel
This scapular was approved 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.
The Scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
This scapular was approved in 1901.
The White Scapular of St. Dominic
This scapular was approved in 1903.
The Meaning of Good Friday in the Catholic Faith
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A scapular is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church, reminding Catholics of their commitment to live a Christian life and deepening their connection to Mary.
The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning shoulder blade. It was originally a monk's work apron, first appearing in the 7th century. Over time, it became a symbol of Marian devotion for Catholics.
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most popular and beloved scapular. It is a sign of the Carmelite Order's devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, and their trust in her protection. It also symbolizes their desire to emulate her commitment to Christ.
Anyone can wear a scapular, even children. There is a ceremony for investing the scapular, performed by a priest, after which the wearer makes spiritual commitments associated with the scapular.
There are monastic and devotional scapulars. Monastic scapulars are worn by monks and nuns, while devotional scapulars are worn by laypeople as a sign of their pledge to a confraternity, saint, or way of life. There are 18 small scapulars approved by the Roman Catholic Church.
