Scapulars
SCAPULARS
DEFINITION From SACRAMENTALS, Catholic Information Society. At work a monk threw over his head a large apron which covered him back and front. This apron was called a `scapular’ since it fell over his shoulders (Latin for shoulders: scapula). Today there is a form of this garment still worn by Catholics, although it has changed in size, color and shape. It is, however, still called a scapular and it symbolizes man’s devotion to God.”
BROWN SCAPULAR
BASIC R.C. BELIEF The most common Roman Catholic scapular, also called the Carmelite scapular. It was given to St. Simon Stock, an English Carmelite Monk, in 1251. By wearing this with due devotion and without presumptuously regarding it as a guarantee against punishment after death special grace and protection from the Blessed Virgin are received. Foremost is the Sabbatine Privilege, which is not a dogma, but is widely accepted by many (including Popes Benedict XIV and Paul V). This privilege is generally thought to be that if you die wearing this scapular, having fulfilled its use as a devotional instrument and not as a presumption for salvation, Mary will visit Purgatory and free the souls who so died. (EXTERNALS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Msgr. O’Sullivan, page 265).
While Roman Catholic teaching forbids the use of the scapular merely for the benefit of the Sabbatine Privilege, many Roman Catholics view the scapular as the best assurance they have of escaping the eternal fires of Hell.
From a leaflet by Our Lady of Mount Caarmel, Lindenhurst, NY. “Your Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is a gift to you from your heavenly Mother. It is an assurance of salvation. `Whoever dies clothed in this (scapular) shall not suffer eternal fire.’ This is the Blessed Mother’s promise, made July 16, 1251 to St. Simon Stock.
“It is well, therefore, to HOLD THE SCAPULAR IN THE HAND while addressing Our Lady. A prayer uttered thus, while holding the mystical Scapular, is as perfect as a prayer can be.
“Pope Benedict XV granted an indulgence of 500 days EACH TIME the scapular is kissed.
“To be eligible for THE SCAPULAR PROMISE, one must be enrolled in the family of Carmel. This is a simple ceremony which takes only a moment and can be done by any Carmelite or duly authorized parish priest.
“It is the wish of our Holy Father, the Pope, that the scapular medal should not be worn in place of the CLOTH SCAPULAR without sufficient reason. Mary cannot be pleased with anyone who substitutes the medal out of vanity or fear to make open profession of faith in her. Such persons run the risk of not receiving the PROMISE. The medal is not noted for the miraculous preservations attributed to the BROWN CLOTH SCAPULAR.
“MARY’S MOTHERHOOD is not limited to Catholics; it is extended to ALL MEN. Many miracles of conversion have been wrought in favor of nonCatholics who have practised the Scapular devotion.
“THE SABBATINE PRIVILEGE. The Sabbatine privilege is Mary’s promise to release from Purgatory soon after death all those who (1) Wear the Brown Scapular; (2) Observe chastity according to their state of life and (3) Say the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day.”
POST VATICAN II Leaflet distributed by Blue Army National Headquarters: “Attach great importance to your scapular…It bears the Sabbatine privilege (if you keep the Blue Army pledge you will be freed from Purgatory by the first Saturday after your death.)”
GREEN SCAPULAR From AMONG MARY’S GIFTS, Marian Center, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. Imp. Cardinal Shehan. “Ten years after the manifestation of the Miraculous Medal to Sister Catherine Laboure in 1830, the Blessed Mother entrusted the Green Scapular of the Immaculate Heart to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, likewise a Daughter of the Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
“The manner of using the Scapular was indicated by the Blessed Virgin. Since it is not the badge of a confraternity, but simply a double image attached to a single piece of cloth and suspended from a cord, investiture is not required. It suffices that it be blessed by a priest and worn for the one for whom it is intended. It may be placed in the clothing, on the bed, or simply in the room.
“The only prayer is the inscription surrounding the heart on the reverse side of the Scapular: `Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.’ Although wonderful graces are obtained, they are proportionate to the confidence with which it is given.
“The Green Scapular was twice approved by Pope Pius IX in 1863 and again in 1870, when he said, `Write to these good Sisters that I authorize them to make and distribute it.'”
The Green Scapular is associated with healing in answer to prayer.