Confraternity of Our Lady's Sorrows III & More info on the Black Scapular

Purpose of the Confraternity

"The purpose of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows is to foster devotion to the passion of Christ and the sorrows of Mary, Mother of the Lord. The seven sorrows of Mary are based on events in Mary's life as recorded in the gospels."
Photo (Servite Friars Logo)

"The Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows assists the faithful in their Christian life and commitment by helping them draw inspiration from Mary who had a share in Christ's redemptive passion and death through her own sorrows. The members of the Confraternity strive to develop the virtue of compassion so that they might be with their suffering brothers and sisters through prayer and words of mercy."

Who May Be Enrolled

Any baptized person of any age who promises to fulfill the obligations of the Confraternity may be enrolled.

What are the Obligations?

The members of the Confraternity commit themselves:
1. To wear the black scapular or medal of Our Lady as a sign of their commitment.
2. To pray 10 to 15 minutes each day for the intentions of the entire Servite Family (friars, nuns, sisters, member of the Secular Order and the Secular Institutes, and especially members of this Confraternity). The Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows is recommended, but other prayer forms may be substituted. For a just cause, this obligation may be reduced to seven Hail Mary's.
3. To pray each day at least on "Hail Mary," "Hail Holy Queen" and the "Prayer for the Church and the Servite Order."
4. If possible, to undertake works of mercy, especially toward those suffering in body or spirit.

What are the Benefits?

1. A share in the prayers and works of Servites throughout the world, and in the prayers and works of other members of this Confraternity.
2. An opportunity to deepen one's own spiritual life and devotion to Mary in her sorrows.
3. Enrollment in the Register of the Servite Confraternity.
4. A black scapular, membership diploma, and prayer card.
5. A copy of the Novena in Honor of Our Sorrowful Mother.
6. Regular mailing of available newletters and magazines of the Servite Order, such as the Newsletter of the Servite Secular Order, Servites Today and the Servite Missions Annual.

Application for Membership

To cover the cost of the scapular and Servite publications, we ask a sacrificial donation of $10.00. If this is not possible, your heart will determine what you can afford at this time. To remain an active member, your membership may be renewed each year for the same sacrificial donation.

To enroll your name, address and donation payable to Servite Friars. Mail to:

Servite Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows

3121 W. Jackson Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60612.

You can also purchase the rosary (or chaplet) of the Sorrowful Mother/Servite Rosary for $6.00 for black, $8.00 for crystal.

(Source: Pamphlet entitled The Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows. Published by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. Chicago, IL)

As I stated in an earlier post, my husband and I sent off our application a few days ago. As you can see, with your enrollment you will receive a black scapular. You can also obtain them here from the Holy Face Association. I ordered 4 from them and received them recently. They are of "mid" quality I would say, definately better than typical free scapulars, but much lower quality then these - where I typically purchase scapulars. Rose Scapular unfortunately does not offer the black scapular apart from the five-fold scapular. Holy Face Association did however send some great information with the scapulars which will be the subject of the next few posts!