Black Scapular

The above image is of the founders of the Servite Order. As they were praying in devotion to Mary's sorrows, she appeared to them and gave them the Black Scapular of her sorrows. Thus was the order founded in the year 1240.

I have at various times gone on a quest of sorts to find out more on a lesser known, yet still Church approved and valid sacramental known as the Black Scapular. This is what I've found:

Black Scapular Order of Friar Servants of Mary: (Servites)A.D. 1240
"The Black Scapular of the Seven Dolors of Mary," or "The Our Lady of Sorrows Scapular," has on its front a depiction of Our Lady of Sorrows. Our Lady appeared to seven rich and prominent citizens of Florence who decided to give up their worldly possessions and follow Christ, promising to honor His Mother in her sorrows. Thus began the Servite Order. Mary gave them the Servite habit and said that "these garments shall be to you a perpetual memory of the sufferings of my heart." This is the more common Black Scapular.The General of the Servite Order may grant the faculty of investment with this scapular to other priests." (source)

~And...
The black scapular of the Seven Sorrows of Mary: "After Pope Alexander IV’s formal establishment of the Servite Order in 1255, lay men and women formed a confraternity in honor of the seven sorrows of Mary. As a sign of membership, they wore a black scapular, usually with an image of our Mother of Sorrows on the front." (source)

~And..
Black Scapular: "Origin:1233 appearance of Mary to the founders of the Servite Order Purpose: Invoke the protection of Mary, Mother of SorrowsPractices: Wear the scapular with special devotion to Mary's Seven SorrowsSource: The Black Scapular is not widely distributed/promoted separately, but is part of the Five-fold Scapular" (source)

I know its not much. I've attempted to contact the Servite order with no respose regarding this scapular, I'll post next on their third order Servite apostolate which I think is less than thriving. I pray for a renewal of such an apostolate and devotion to Mary's sorrows in general. Stay tuned...

Holy Water II

Holy Water a Means of Spiritual Wealth

(Source: THE ANGELUS

July 1986, Volume IX, Number 7)

Holy water is a sacramental that remits venial sin. Because of the blessing attached to it, Holy Church strongly urges its use upon her children, especially when dangers threaten, such as fire, storms, sickness and other calamities. Every Catholic home should always have a supply of holy water in it. We do not take advantage of the benefits derived from holy water.

LET US CULTIVATE ITS USE

Untold spiritual wealth is concentrated in a tiny drop of blessed water. And we give it so little thought! If we would but realize now, as we shall realize after death, the many benefits which may be derived from holy water, we would use it far more frequently, and with greater faith and reverence. Holy water has great power and efficacy derived from the prayers of the Church, which the Holy Trinity accepts always.

Following are some of the petitions the priest may makes to god when he blesses water:

"O God . . . grant that this creature of Thine (water) may be endowed with Divine grace to drive away devils and to cast out diseases, that whatever in the houses or possessions of the faithful may be sprinkled by this water, may be freed from everything unclean, and delivered from what is hurtful . . . Let everything that threatens the safety or peace of the dwellers therein be banished by the sprinkling of this water; so that the health which they seek by calling upon Thy Holy Name may be guarded from all assault."

These prayers ascend to Heaven evert time you take holy water and sprinkle a drop in a place, bless yourself or another, whether they are present or not. Be assured, God's blessing will descend for both body and soul.

Other Qualities of Holy Water

Dispel the Devil: The devil hates holy water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide near a person or in a place that is often sprinkled with this blessed water. Holy water, sprinkled with faith and piety, can move the Sacred Heart to bless your loved ones and protect them, even at a distance, from attacks to soul or person. When worried or fearful, go to a holy water font at Church or at home. Give those whom you wish the benefit of the Church's prayers.

The Holy Souls Long For It: Only in Purgatory will we understand how ardently a poor soul longs for the relief of holy water. If we desire to make a host of intercessors for ourselves, let us try to often remember their yearnings, and often assist them at the holy water font. The holy souls nearest to Heaven may need the sprinkling of only one drop offered for thier benefit so they may attain the Beatific Vision!

Remits Venial Sins: Because holy water is one of the Church's sacramentals, it remits venial sin. Keep your soul beautifully pure before God by making the Sign of the Cross carefully while saying: "By this holy water and by Thy Precious Blood wash away all my sins, O Lord."

Keep holy water in your homes, use it every morning. Carry a small amount in your purse, your pocket. Bless your car, your house, and especially any airplane you travel on. Bless every ATM machine you use and ask the Lord to convert and save every person who uses it. Be creative and generous with this holy sacramental!

Prayer

O most Just Judge, look down I beseech Thee, from Thy throne in Heaven upon me, a poor sinner, and for the sake of Thine infinite compassion be merciful to me in the day of final judgement. I know that I shall not be able to stand in that dread day, but by Thy just sentence I shall condemned to eternal damnation. Yet I know also that if a sinner implores mercy of Thee in a time of grace, it will not be denied him! Therefore I entreat Thee with deep humility and contrition through, Thy bitter passion, that Thou wouldst pardon my sins and pass a lenient sentence upon me in the Day of Judgement. Amen+

(Source: The Last Four Things. Fr. Martin von Cochem, by TAN Books)

Rosary of Sorrows II

The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows

(Also known as the Servite Rosary/Chaplet of Seven Sorrows/Dolors)

This pious practice is offered for your consideration for Lent. I encourage all to make this a devotion year round, if only to keep in mind and be sympathetic to your Mother's sorrows and tears which were shed for you.
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows consists of seven groups of seven beads, with three additional beads and a medal of Our Lady of Sorrows. The seven groups of seven Hail Marys are recited in remembrance of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, namely:

1. The prophecy of Simeon.
2. The flight into Egypt.
3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple.
4. Mary meets Jesus carrying His cross.
5. The Death of Jesus
6. Mary received the body of Jesus from the cross
7. The body of Jesus is placed in a tomb.

Three Hail Marys are added in remembrance of the tears Mary shed because of the suffering of her Divine Son. These are said to obtain true sorrow for our sins. Following is the concluding prayer.
V. Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin. R. The we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose holy soul was pierced at the time of Thy passion by a sword of grief. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen+
(The rosary pictured above can be purchased for a mere $7.00 here. The above booklet is included.)

Holy Water

The Power of Sacramentals

" It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins" (2 Mac 12:46)

Great video in YouTube on the power of holy water, go here to view it. (Tried to embed it, but couldn't get it to copy right!)

Sacramentals are those rites, actions, prayers and objects, instituted by the Church as a means to obtain for the faithful spiritual and temporal favours from God. The sacramentals benefit the faithful by obtaining actual grace, forgiveness of venial sin, remission of temporal punishment, health of body, material blessings, conversion of hearts, and protection from evil spirits.

These effects depend upon the mercy of God Who regards the prayers of the Church, and upon the dispositions of those who use the sacramentals. The chief sacramentals are the many blessings given by members of the clergy, exorcism, and the blessing and use of such objects of devotion as holy water, candles, medals, rosaries and incense.

Father Paul O'Sullivan in "How to Avoid Purgatory":
"Only in Purgatory can one understand ardently the poor souls longing for Holy Water. If we desire to make a host of intercessors for ourselves, let us try to realize now some of their yearnings, and never forget them at the Holy Water font."

When blessing yourself with holy water mentally offer this act for the benefit of the Holy Souls. Consider offering this for priests, especially those of your own parish, who have served the sacraments and said masses. In gratitude offer this act of blessing with holy water several times daily and have Masses offered up for the repose of their souls.

Bless your home, car, workplace, public places such as airplanes, ATM's, train stations,etc. Sprinkle a few drops of Holy Water and pray fervently:

“O God, in Your Mercy multiply these drops into as many drops of Holy Water as there are souls in Purgatory, and allow them not to fear the pains of Purgatory, as long as the moisture of Holy Water is present. Bring down blessings upon this {place, object, area, etc} and all who come into contact with it. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen+”