Sarah Mitchell
The scapular is a Catholic garment with a rich history and significance. The word 'scapular' comes from the Latin 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. It refers to a sleeveless piece of cloth worn over the shoulders, with two rectangular pieces of fabric connected by bands, hanging in front and back. The garment's roots can be traced to the Middle Ages, when monks wore it as a protective covering during manual labour. Over time, the scapular evolved into a symbol of devotion and pledge to a confraternity, saint, or way of life. It is believed that wearing the scapular faithfully leads to holiness and protection from eternal damnation. The most popular variation is the brown scapular, associated with the Carmelite Order and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The brown scapular is tied to a legend of the Blessed Mother appearing to Simon in 1251, promising salvation to those who wore it piously.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etymology | The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning shoulder blade. |
| History | The scapular was originally a protective covering worn by monks during manual labour in the Middle Ages. It developed from the ordinary clothing of the laity. |
| Design | The scapular is a sleeveless garment that drapes over the shoulders, similar to a poncho or an apron. It is typically made of two rectangular squares of cloth attached by strings, with one rectangle hanging over the chest and the other resting on the back. |
| Symbolism | The scapular is a symbol of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ. It represents a pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life. |
| Popularity | The scapular is widely popular among Catholics, with the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order being the most popular variation. |
| Indulgences | The scapular is associated with specific promises and indulgences, such as protection from eternal damnation for those who wear it faithfully until death. |
| Rules and Requirements | The Roman Catholic Church has set rules for scapulars, including the requirement for investment by an ordained representative or blessing by a priest. To receive benefits, the scapular must be worn constantly and kept in good repair. |
| Variations | There are shorter forms of the scapular, and metal scapulars are permitted for those with wool allergies. |
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What You'll Learn
The scapular is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church
The scapular is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Catholic Church. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin word "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. The scapular is worn 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.
The brown scapular is one of the most beloved devotionals in the history of the Church. It signals the Carmelites' spiritual devotion to the Virgin Mother. The history of the brown scapular dates back to the 13th century, but Carmelite history goes back to the Old Testament, some nine centuries before Christ. According to legend, on 16 July 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared in a vision to Simon, gave him the brown scapular 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; behold the sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, the covenant of peace and everlasting alliance."
The scapular is not necessary for salvation, but it is a powerful sacramental and a gift from the Blessed Mother. When worn in faith, it is a devotion that leads to holiness and protects from eternal damnation. It is not a "magic amulet", but an external sign of the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary and the faithful who entrust themselves to her protection.
The popularity of the scapular among religious communities led to laypeople also wanting to wear the garment to imitate the pious, holy ways of the monks. A smaller, more practical version of the scapular was designed for laypeople who wanted to participate in this devotion. The Church has approved 18 different scapulars for wear, the most popular being the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order, formally known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
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It is a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mother
The scapular is a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mother. The brown scapular, in particular, is a powerful symbol of the Carmelites' spiritual devotion to the Virgin Mary, also known as the Blessed Mother. It is believed that the brown scapular was first presented to Saint Simon Stock by the Virgin Mother herself in a vision on July 16, 1251.
The scapular is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Catholic Church. It is a garment that originated as a protective covering, worn by monks during manual labour in the Middle Ages. The word scapular is derived from the Latin 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. Over time, the scapular evolved into a symbol of devotion and a means for laypeople to emulate the pious ways of monks.
The brown scapular, also known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is one of the most beloved Marian devotionals in the history of the Catholic Church. It is said to offer protection from eternal damnation and is often viewed as a symbol of salvation. The image of the Virgin Mother, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is commonly featured on one side of the brown scapular.
The wearing of the scapular is a devotional act, expressing love and commitment to the Blessed Mother and, through her, to Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of Mary's devotion to God and her role as an intercessor in prayers. The scapular is not a magical amulet, but a symbol of the wearer's pledge to a confraternity, saint, or way of life. It is typically made of two rectangular pieces of cloth, connected by strings or bands, and is meant to be worn day and night, either over or under one's clothing.
The popularity of the scapular among Catholics worldwide led Joseph Hilgers, in the 1912 Catholic Encyclopedia, to refer to it as "the badge of the devout Catholic". The scapular, along with the rosary, has become a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary and a testament to one's faith and commitment to God.
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The brown scapular is the most popular
The brown scapular is said to have originated in the 13th century. According to legend, on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared in a vision to Simon Stock at Cambridge, England, and presented him with the brown scapular. She promised salvation to those who wore it faithfully. The brown scapular thus became a symbol of the Carmelites' spiritual devotion to the Virgin Mother.
The brown scapular is usually made of wool and consists of two rectangular squares of cloth attached by strings. It is placed over the head, with one square resting on the chest and the other on the back. The brown scapular is typically worn under the clothing and is meant to be worn faithfully, along with keeping the spiritual commitments attached to it.
The popularity of the brown scapular can be attributed to the belief in its protective and salvific powers. It is seen as a sign of the wearer's pledge to the Blessed Mother and, through her, to Jesus Christ. The brown scapular is a reminder of Mary's devotion to God and is intended to encourage Catholics to emulate her example and deepen their connection to her.
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![A Short Account of the Origin of the Order of the Servites of Mary, and of the Scapular of the Seven Dolours. Second Edition (1865) [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FbOFgXaEL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
It is believed to protect the wearer from eternal damnation
The scapular is a sacramental object of popular piety, 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. The word "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapula", meaning "shoulder blade".
The brown scapular is one of the most beloved devotionals in the history of the Church. It is believed to protect the wearer from eternal damnation. Legend holds that on 16 July 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared in a vision to Simon Stock, gave him the brown scapular 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; behold the sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, the covenant of peace and everlasting alliance.
There are different versions of this legend, and some Church scholars have cast doubt on its authenticity. However, there is little doubt as to the sincerity of Catholics who devotedly wear the brown scapular, which on one end has these words stitched on it: "Whosoever dies wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire."
The scapular is not a "magic amulet". It is a symbol of the wearer's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life, as well as reminding the wearer of that promise. It is not necessary for salvation, but when worn in faith, the scapular is a devotion that leads to holiness. It is an external sign of the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary and the faithful who entrust themselves to her protection.
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The design of the scapular is based on an apron
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. The word scapular is derived from the Latin word 'scapula', meaning shoulder blade. The design of the scapular is based on an apron, with some authors interpreting it as a symbolic apron. Monks and nuns, when engaged in manual labour, would cover their scapular with a protective apron or carefully tuck it up or throw the front length back over their shoulders to prevent it from getting in the way.
In the West, in the case of St. Benedict, the scapular was initially a working garment or apron worn by agricultural labourers. In the Rule of St. Benedict, it was expressly termed "scapulare propter opera" (c. xxv in P.L., LXXVI, 771). From this, the special monastic garment developed, to which a hood could be fastened at the back. The original scapular of the Dominican Order served as both a covering for the head and a hood.
The scapular is now the most important part of the habit of the monastic orders. It is usually worn over the habit or soutane. It consists of a piece of cloth about the width of the breast from one shoulder to the other, with an opening for the head in the middle, allowing the scapular to hang down from two narrow connecting segments resting on the shoulders. The scapular is a reminder of being clothed with Mary's own readiness to participate in God's work and her devotion to Jesus.
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Frequently asked questions
A scapular is a garment first designed by monks in 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 Catholic Church. Legend holds that on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared in a vision to Simon, gave him the brown scapular 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; behold the sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, the covenant of peace and everlasting alliance.”
The scapular is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church. It is a symbol of the wearer's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life, as well as reminding the wearer of that promise. It is also seen as a sign of protection and salvation.
The scapular is worn by many Catholics as a symbol of their love and commitment to the Blessed Mother and through her to Jesus Christ. It is usually worn under clothing and can be made of cloth or metal.
