The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
What is the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel?
On July 16, 1251, Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock and gave him the Brown Scapular in answer to a prayer for help with his Carmelite Order. A scapular is a piece of wool cloth, usually one-inch square, attached by two cords and is worn over the shoulders so that one piece of cloth covers your chest and the other piece of cloth covers you back. The Brown Scapular represents a special Consecration to Our Lady under the title of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Why should I wear a Brown Scapular?
Wearing Mary's Scapular is a way to consecrate ourselves to Her service. Every Catholic should be consecrated to Mary. The Scapular also represents Our Lady’s protection and Her care for us. She promised to Saint Simon Stock: “It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace. Whosoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.”. Another personal reward for wearing the Brown Scapular is the "Sabbatine (or Saturday) Privilege" which states that anyone who dies wearing the Brown Scapular will be freed from Purgatory on the first Saturday after their death. In addition, many miracles and favors have been granted to those who faithfully wear the Brown Scapular.
How can I obtain Our Lady's Scapular promise?
In order to obtain Our Lady's Scapular promise, Holy Mother Church teaches a Catholic must be invested (enrolled) in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular by a Catholic priest or deacon. It is a small ceremony where the scapular is blessed and then placed on a person with special prayers said over the person. This ceremony enrolls you for life in the Brown Scapular Confraternity.
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