Brown Scapular Devotion & Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Below is a small exerpt from an article I highly recommend to all Catholics regarding devotion to and the wearing of Our Lady's Brown Scapular. I must say I am terrified to be without mine and only reluctantly remove it in order to swim, shower and bathe. Get one, wear it always with love.

Church position

"With regard to the scapular as a conventional and sacred sign, the Church has intervened at various times in history to clarify its meaning, defend it, and confirm the privileges.
From these Church documents there emerges with sufficient clarity the nature and meaning of the Carmelite scapular."

1. "The scapular is a Marian habit or garment. It is both a sign and pledge. A sign of belonging to Mary; a pledge of her motherly protection, not only in this life but after death."

2. "As a sign, it is a conventional sign signifying three elements strictly joined: first, belonging to a religious family particularly devoted to Mary, especially dear to Mary, the Carmelite Order; second, consecration to Mary, devotion to and trust in her Immaculate Heart; third an incitement to become like Mary by imitating her virtues, above all her humility, chastity, and spirit of prayer."

"This is the Church's officially established connection between the sign and that which is signified by the sign."

Go here for the full article on Zenit.

Great Article

Go here to read an excellent and brief article on the history to Our Lady's Brown Scapular. I strongly encourage all to use this powerful sacramental.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ Ora Pro Nobis!

Heaven's Promises ~ Brown Scapular

The brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most popular scapular in the Catholic Church today. In the Middle Ages, a scapular was a full-length garment (apron) worn over the monk's or nun's habit, the color signifying the particular religious order. The brown scapular was revealed to St. Simon Stock, the Prior General of the Carmelite order in 1247. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him the brown scapular and associated promises as a result of his pledge of complete loyalty to her (known as a privilegium). The smaller version (pictured above) of the scapular is worn by lay persons.

I always purchase them here. A new one itches slightly for a day or so, then you don't even know its there. My children were all enrolled shortly after First Communion and wear one all the time. I admit openly I have to constantly remind them though "Are you wearing your scapular?" Answer, "uh...I think I left it in the bathroom/my backpack/my school locker/on my dresser/insert any various place..." They wear it willingly, but as children do, forgetfully. I pray they are more mindful as adults. My husband and I have a number of them, one nicer one for everyday, and a whole bunch of tattered ones for running and working out. We wear them at all times except when swimming or bathing. I used to also wear a scapular medal, but the nonstop clanging against my Miraculous Medal drove me nuts.

Saints and popes throughout the ages have worn and encouraged wearing of the brown scapular, and many miraculous events have attested to the value of the sacramental (the scapular worn by Blessed Pope Gregory X, who died in 1276, was found intact in 1830). Pope John Paul II wore the brown scapular from the time of his First Communion until his death. When I read this in a bio of our Late Great Pope, I went right out and got one myself. If the Pope wears one, so should we all.

Practices

1. Wear the Brown Scapular (or scapular medal) after enrollment*

2. Observe chastity according to your state in life

3. Recite the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or five decades of the Rosary daily (usual requirements)

Promises/Benefits

1. "...whosoever dies wearing this (the brown scapular) shall not suffer eternal fire" (Virgin Mary's promise to St. Simon)

2. Partial indulgence granted by Pope Benedict XV to those who devoutly kiss their scapular.

3. Sabbatine Priviledge: release from purgatory on the first Saturday after death (revelation by the Virgin to Pope John XXII in 1322). Please note that much controversy has surrounded this 'promise' since its promotion by some early Carmelites. The modern Order does not recognize this as legitimate. It is mentioned here for informational purposes.

Your thoughts and practices on the Brown Scapular to the combox please!