“Whoever dies in this garment shall not suffer the eternal fire.”
What is the Brown Scapular, and why do people wear them? I’ve received that question more than once over the last few months, and I thought I would attempt an explanation for you.
The Brown Scapular is a uniquely Catholic item, a Catholic sacramental. For members of the Roman Catholic Church, it honors Mary as the first of her Son’s disciples. Like Baptism, it’s an outward sign, in this case, of Mary’s protection.
In 1251, in Aylesford, England, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a Carmelite, and handed him a brown woolen scapular. As St. Simon Stock placed his hand upon the Scapular, the Virgin Mary said, “This shall be a privilege for you and all Carmelites that anyone dying in this habit shall not suffer eternal fire.”
By this one act, the Blessed Mother extended her protection to all members of the Carmelite Order. Over time, the privilege of the Brown Scapular has been extended to all of God’s faithful within the Catholic Church.
“The Scapular is a silent prayer,” said Brother William, a member of the Order of Carmelites. “It is a constant tool that brings us closer to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Brother William and the teachings of the Catholic Church say that if a prayer is said while holding the Scapular, it becomes a perfect prayer.
“Evil is powerless, rendered powerless when one calls upon the Blessed Mother,” says Br William. “‘ If you had recommended yourself to me,’ our Blessed Mother has said, ‘you would not have run into such danger.’”
The Brown Scapular we see today differs from what was given to St Simon Stock. It was much larger when it was first given, with the promise of eternal life.
“The Scapular,” said Brother William, “was not as inconspicuous as today. It was then, as is now, part of our habit.”
In the thirteenth century, the Brown Scapular was part of the monk’s habit, part of the outer garment. It was the outermost part, worn almost as a yolk, draped over the monk’s shoulders, and may or may not have had a hood attached.
Over time, the Scapular became smaller as it was extended to all members of the Church and comes in many different sizes and styles.
“One may wear the style they are most comfortable with,” says Br William, “as long as they adhere to the basic rules of the Scapular.”
The Scapular must have two wool squares of cloth connected by strings, ribbons, or any material. You must wear it so that one square is in front, lying on your chest, with the other on your back.
For the Scapular promise to be granted, the Scapular must be blessed by a priest, and you will need to be invested in the Scapular.
“You should include the prayers in your article,” says Br William. “It would be most helpful for those seeking enrollment. At the end of your piece, maybe?”
You must also wear the Scapular all the time. By taking the Scapular off, and for the time you have it off, Br Williams says that you are no longer under the promises granted to one who wears the Scapular.
While researching this article, I discovered that the Scapular is made of a material other than wool. I’ve found Scapulars made of metal, leather, wood, and so much more. I had to ask Br William if all are equally valid or if one is preferred over the other.
“No,” says Br William. “Only two forms of the Brown Scapular are recognized by the Church. The first is made of wool, and the next is the Scapular Medal.”
In 1910, the Church allowed one to substitute the Scapular Medal instead of the woolen medal only if the wearer had already been enrolled with the woolen Scapular.
“There are some situations in life where one cannot wear the wool Scapular,” says Br William.
However, a Scapular made of leather or hard plastic (any plastic, actually) is not permitted.
“Plastic and leather are more for a fashion statement,” says Br William, “and not in the Spirit of the Church or the Blessed Mother. As the Lord has said, we are gaining our reword by being praised for what we are doing. That is too often what occurs when one wears a finely tooled leather Scapular or one of highly decorated plastic.”
So, what is the Scapular? It’s Mary’s mantel for the faithful. It is a visible sign of Her promise to intercede for you. It is Her protection over members of the Catholic Church.
There is so much more I’ve learned about the Scapular that I chose not to include in this article. For example, the history of those who took to Mt. Carmel for a life of prayer and dedication to the Mother of God centuries before the advent of Christ. I also didn’t include the history of the Carmelites travelling to England after the Crusades or about the Sabbatine Promise of the Scapular. All are very interesting and worth a read.
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