Scapulars

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This may sound stupid, but when you wear a brown scapular or other scapular that is required to be worn all the time; are you allowed to take it off before you get in the shower or go swimming?

-- Anonymous (nonexistent@nothing.com), January 02, 2005

Answers

Yes. Our devotion should not exceed the bounds of plain common sense. I never take my wedding ring off, but I certainly would if I were doing something that might damage it. Gold however is a lot more resistant to damage than felt.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), January 02, 2005.

Dear Annon, You mentioned specifically the brown scapular first (Scapular of Mt. Carmel or Carmelite Scapular).

You can wear it over or under your clothing, and you can place it aside for a short time, if necessary. Though if you stop wearing it for a long time, or say you were wearing it but stopped fulfilling the conditions you promised too, you don't get any of the indulgences, priveliges, ect.. that you were wearing it to gain in the first place, until you decide to participate once more in your devotions.

If you want, you may laminate it (though it can make it itchy under your clothing) or you can scotch gaurd it (or use some other sort of water proof) that could help extend the life of your scapular(s). (which isn't an amulet for our protection, it's more of a consecrated object that can help us when we have faith and try to live a life of virtue.)

Every Scapular, (except those that are merely for private devotion) must be blessed by a priest from the order it represents. (ex: A Carmelite wouldn't bless a Servites Scapular.) When you need a new one, you can wear an unblessed one. You have to recieve and get enrolled into your confraternity at the same time that your Scapular gets blessed & invested.

Though you may wear several Scapulars together. Each one must be complete and attatched to both bands. (Ex: On the top (so you can see the image) The Red Scapular of the Passion (which would make the bands of red wool), The Five fold Scapular, which consisted of one scapular of each: The Carmelites (brown or black), of the Immaculate Conception, of the Servites, lastly on the bottom, the Most Blessed Trinity, so that you can se the tiny red & blue cross of the scapular.)

FYI: You can wear ONE Scapular Medal, instead of your woolen coloured Scapular. The medal must be two sided. Jesus Christ with his Most Sacret Heart must appear on one side, and the Mother of God must appear on the other side. It must be blessed as many times by the priest(s) who are sanctioned, and the Scapular Medal is subject to the same conditions and limitations as it's corresponding woolen scapulars. And of course you have to wear it constantly.

THE BROWN SCAPULAR:

The Blessed Virgin of Mt. Carmel (who said, "Whosoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a sign of Peace and a Safegaurd in times of danger.") assigned certain conditions which must be fulfilled:

(1) You must be enrolled by (usually) by a priest into the Scapular Confraternity. Then CONTINUOUSLY wear your Scapular of Mt. Carmel. There is NO substitute for this condition.

(2) Observe chastity according to your state in life. (married / single). There is NO substitute for this condition.

(3) Recite daily the "Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary." (You CAN substitute on of the following: (a) Observe Church Fasts (b) Recite 5 Decades of the Rosary (c) With a Priest's permission, Do a good work.)

FYI: Pope Benedict XV, granted 500 days indulgence (which is the remission in whole or in part for the temporal punishment due to sins and time spent in Purgatory) for devoutly kissing your scapular.

Love, Grace & Peace, Dorian Abundant Kwanzaa & Prosperous, Healthy & Peace Filled New Year!!!

-- Carmelite (ScapularOfMtCarmel@yahoo.com), January 02, 2005.


INCOMPLETE LIST OF SCAPULARS (And thier indulgences & requirements. compiled from various ol sites)

A. THE SCAPULAR OF THE MOST BLESSED TRINITY (Trinitarian Scapular)

The small white scapular, provided with the blue and red cross, is the badge of the members of the Confraternity of The Most Blessed Trinity.The Trinity Scapular was given to a holy priest, St. John de Matha in 1190. at his first mass. He was honored with a vision of an Angel clad in a robe of snowy whiteness. On his chest shimmered a cross of blue (traverse) & crimson (vertical). This has become know as the Trinity Cross. The angel held his hands over a Moor & a Christian so that St John knew he was to help ransom the Christian captives. Each person who joins the Confraternity of the Blessed Trinity must be invested with this scapular and must constantly wear it.

The General of the Trinitarians may grant the faculty of investment with this scapular to other priests.

B. THE WHITE SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MERCY (Mercedarian Scapular)

B. Maria V. de Mercede redemptionis captivorum. Like the Trinitariansy, the Fathers of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the Ransom of Prisoners give the faithful a special scapular on their entering the confraternity erected by them. This habit (Scapular) was given by the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Peter Nolasco on Aug. 2, 1218, for the redemption of captive Christians. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in separate visions on the same night to St. Peter Nolasco, to St. Raymond of Penafort (a Spanish Dominican), and to James 1st, King of Aragon, Spain. Our Lady's request was for the establishment of an order for the ransoming of Christian slaves. King James insisted that the shield of Aragon be placed on the scapular. The opposite side bears the "A" & "M" for the Ave Maria. Today, the Scapular of Mercy is used for the ransoming and redeeming of souls from the devil.. The scapular is of white cloth, and bears on the front part, which hangs over the breast, the picture of Our Lady of Ransom. The other part consists simply of a smaller segment of white cloth.

The General of the Mercedarians communicates to other priests the faculty of receiving into the confraternity and of blessing and investing with the scapular.

C. THE SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL (Carmelite Scapular)

Also known as the Brown Scapular, this is the best known, most celebrated, and most widespread of the small scapulars. It is spoken of as "the Scapular", and the "feast of the Scapular" is that of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 16 July. It is probably the oldest scapular and served as the prototype of the others. The second privilege of the scapular otherwise known as the Sabbatine privilege, may be briefly defined as meaning that Mary's motherly assistance for her servants in the Scapular Confraternity will continue after death, and will find effect especially on Saturday (the day consecrated to her honour), provided that the members fulfill faithfully the not easy conditions necessary for obtaining this privilege.

As regards the external form of the scapular, it should consist of two segments of brown woollen cloth; black, however, is also admissible. This scapular usually bears on one side the image of our Lady of Mount Carmel, but neither this nor any other image is prescribed. Concerning the often miraculous protection which Mary on account of this her badge has granted to pious members of the Scapular Confraternity in great perils of soul and body, there exist many records and reliable reports (some of recent times), to which it is impossible to refuse credence. Like the rosary, this scapular has become the badge of the devout Catholic and the true servant of Mary.

D. THE BLACK SCAPULAR OF THE 7 DOLOURS OF MARY (Servites Scapular)

"The Black Scapular of the Seven Dolors of Mary," or "The Our Lady of Sorrows Scapular". 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. In other respects nothing is prescribed concerning this scapular, although it usually bears on the front portion (over the breast) an image of the Mother of Sorrows. This scapular must likewise be worn constantly, if one wishes to gain the indulgences of the confraternity.

The General of the Servite Order may grant the faculty of investment with this scapular to other priests.

E. THE BLUE SCAPULAR OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (Theatine Scapular)

It was given to the foundress of the Theatine Order of nuns, Venerable Ursula Benicasa in 1605. To her, Christ promised favor to that Order and she asked Him to extend those promises to those who associated themselves with the Order through the faithful wearing of the Scapular. The Blue Scapular is worn for the conversion of sinners.

Enrollment in the Theatine Confraternity is necessary for investment with this scapular.

According to the statutes of the confraternity admission is effected by the blessing and investing with the Blue Scapular, the presentation of the small chaplet of the Immaculate Conception, and the enrolling of the name in the register of the confraternity.

433 plenary indulgences attached to this scapular. You must be enrolled and wearing the Blue Scapular and you must say 6 Our Father's, 6 Hail Mary's, and 6 Glory Be's in honor of The Holy Trinity and Mary Immaculate. You must ask for the Plenary Indulgences to receive them. ("Ask and you shall receive".) You can keep one Plenary Indulgence for yourself, and give the rest of them to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. One Plenary Indulgence gets a soul out of Purgatory.

F. THE RED SCAPULAR OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD (Confraternity of the Precious Blood Scapular)

Priests who can receive the faithful into the Confraternity of the Precious Blood have also the faculty of blessing and investing these with this red scapular (or a red girdle). No special indulgences, however, are connected with the wearing of this scapular, and the wearing of it is left optional to the members of the confraternity. For the scapular it is prescribed only that it be of red cloth. The scapular as used in Rome bears on one portion a representation of the chalice with the Precious Blood adored by angels; the other segment which hangs at the back is simply a smaller portion of red cloth.

G. THE BLACK SCAPULAR OF THE PASSION (Passionists Scapular):

St. Paul of the Cross, before founding the Congregation of the Passionists, received in apparitions the black habit of the order with the badge on the breast. Later, after the foundation of the congregation, the Passionist Fathers gave the faithful who wished to associate themselves more closely with their order a black scapular in honour of the Passion of Christ. "The Black Scapular of the Passion" has a replica of the emblem worn on the habits of the Passionists. It includes the words "Jesu XPI Passio" and below "sit semper in cordibus nostris."

The Superior General of the Passionists may grant to other priests the faculty to bless and invest someone with this scapular.

H. THE RED SCAPULAR OF THE PASSION (Lazarists Scapular)

In 1846, Our Blessed Lord appeared to Sr. Appoline Andriveau in 1846, (A Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul) showing her the red scapular of the Passion, promising that a great increase of faith, hope and charity would be reserved every Friday for those who wore the scapular. The scapular and bands must both be of red woollen material. On one woollen segment Jesus Christ is represented on the Cross; at the foot of the Cross are the implements of the Passion, and about it are the words: "Holy Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Save us." On the other are represented the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and above these a cross with the inscription: "Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, protect us." These images also are essential to the scapular .

Pius IX granted the Priests of the Mission (the Lazarists) faculty of blessing and investing the faithful with this scapular, and the Superior General of the Lazarists may allow other priests this faculty.

I. THE BLACK SCAPULAR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY UNDER THE TITLE OF "HELP OF THE SICK" (Camillusian Scapular)

In the Church of St. Magdalen at Rome, belonging to the Clerks Regular of St. Camillus, a picture of the Blessed Virgin is specially venerated under the title of Help of the Sick. This picture suggested to a brother of the Order of St. Camillus. Ferdinand Vicari, the idea of founding a confraternity under the invocation of the Mother of God for the poor sick. At their reception, the members are given a scapular of black woollen cloth; the portion over the breast is a copy of the above picture of the Mother of God and at her feet Sts. Joseph and Camillus, the two other patrons of the sick and of the confraternity. On the small segment at the back is sewed a little red cloth cross; although this receives separate and special blessing for the sick, it does not constitute an essential portion of the scapular.

J. THE WHITE SCAPULAR OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

This scapular originated with the Sons of the lmmaculate Heart of Mary in 1877. The scapular is of white woollen cloth: on the portion which hangs before the breast is represented the burning heart of Mary, out of which grows a lily; the heart is encircled by a wreath of roses and pierced with a sword. The superior general of the above congregation can communicate to other priests the faculty of blessing and investing with this scapular.

K. THE BLUE & BLACK SHEILD SCAPULAR OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

In 1880 Leo XIII raised the confraternity in honor of St. Michael the Archangel to the rank of an archconfraternity, which was expressly called the Archconfraternity of the Scapular of St. Michael. The scapular is so associated with the confraternity that each member is invested with it. In outward form this scapular is different from the others, in as much as the two segments of cloth have the form of a small shield; of these one is made of blue and the other of black cloth, and of the bands likewise one is blue and the other black. Both portions of the scapular bear the well-known representation of the Archangel St. Michael slaying the dragon and the inscription "Quis ut Deus".

L. THE BLACK SCAPULAR OF ST. BENEDICT (Benedictine Scapular)

To associate the faithful, who were not Oblates of St. Benedict, in a certain measure with the Benedictine Order, a confraternity of St. Benedict was founded in the second half of the nineteenth century. Reception is effected by the enrollment of the members and investment with a small blessed scapular of black cloth. One of the segments usually has a picture of St. Benedict but no picture is necessary.

M. THE WHITE SCAPULAR OF THE MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL (Augustinian Scapular)

At the petition of the Augustinian monks this scapular was approved and endowed with indulgences by Leo XIII in a Decree of the Congregation of Rites of 19-21 December, 1893. The two segments of cloth must be of white wool, though the bands are usually also white, this is not essential. The segment of cloth which hangs before the breast bears the image of the Mother of Good Counsel (after the well- known picture in the Augustinian church at Genazzano) with the inscription: "Mother of Good Counsel". On the other segment the papal arms (i.e., the tiara and the keys of Peter) with the inscription: "Son, follow her counsel. The faculty of blessing and investing with the scapular belongs primarily to the Augustinian monks, but the General of the Augustinians communicates this privilege to other priests.

N. THE SCAPULAR OF ST. JOSEPH (Capuchin Scapular)

From the Diocese of St-Claude in France this scapular (at first white) was spread by the Capuchins but it was later decreed that the shape and colour of that used in Verona should be used. Which is two segments of woollen cloth of a violet colour; to these are sewed two pieces of gold-coloured material (linen, cotton, etc.) of equal size. On the gold-coloured segment before the breast is the representation of St. Joseph with the Child Jesus on his right arm and the staff of lilies in his left hand, while underneath is the inscription: "St. Joseph, patron of the Church, pray for us." On the other gold- coloured segment is represented the papal crown, the tiara, above it the dove as the symbol of the Holy Ghost, and underneath it a cross and the keys of Peter with the inscription: "Spiritus Domini ductor eius" (The Spirit of the Lord is his Guide). The bands are white.

The scapular is to remind us of St. Joseph's virtues (humility, modesty, purity); to remind us to pray to St. Joseph, asking him to pray for the Church; and to assist the dying since St. Joseph is the patron of a happy death.

Leo XIII granted to the General of the Capuchins the faculty of blessing and investing the faithful everywhere with this scapular.

In addition to the above benefits, there is a plenary indulgence for those who confess, receive Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father on the following feast days: 25 December the day of investment of the scapular), 1 January, 6 January, 2 February, 19 March, 25 March, Easter, Feast of the Ascension, 15 August, 8 September, 8 December, 3rd Sunday after Easter and at the time of death. It is recommended also to say 5 Our Fathers, 5 Hail Marys and 5 Glorias before the Blessed Sacrament at these times.

O. THE WHITE SCAPULAR OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

The constant wearing of a small picture of the Heart of Jesus was already recommended by Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque, who herself made and distributed them. They were made of a small piece of white woollen cloth, on which was embroidered or sewed in red a picture of the Heart of Jesus. This badge was especially employed during the plague at Marseilles as a protection against the pest. During the terrors of the French Revolution it also served as a safeguard for the pious faithful. Although this badge is often called a scapular, it is not really such; consequently the conditions governing scapulars do not apply to it. It was only in 1872 that an indulgence was granted by Pius IX for the wearing of this badge. A real scapular of the Sacred Heart was first introduced in France in 1876 when it was approved by Decree of the Congregation of Rites and a special formula for blessing and investing with it appointed 4 April, 1900. This scapular consists of two segments of white woollen cloth connected in the usual manner by two strings; one segment bears the usual representation of the Sacred Heart, while the other bears that of the Blessed Virgin under the title of Mother of Mercy. By a Brief of 10 July, Leo XIII granted many indulgences for the pious wearing of this scapular.

P. THE WHITE SCAPULAR OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND MARY (Daughters of the Sacred Heart Scapular)

This is very similar to the Red Scapular of the Passion. The two segments of cloth are of white wool, one bears the image of the Heart of Jesus with the well-known emblems and also the Heart of Mary pierced with a sword, underneath being the implements of the Passion; the other segment has a small cross of red material. The scapular owes its origin and spread to the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart, founded at Antwerp in 1873.

Q. THE WHITE SCAPULAR OF ST. DOMINIC (Dominican Scapular)

On 23 November, 1903, this scapular was endowed by Pius X with an indulgence of 300 days in favour of all the faithful who wear it, as often as they devoutly kiss it. The scapular is thereby also approved. It is made of white wool, but the bands, as in the case of so many other scapulars may be of another material. No image is prescribed for the scapular, but the scapular given in the house of the Dominican General at Rome has on one side the picture of St. Dominic kneeling before the crucifix and on the other that of B. Reginald receiving the habit from the hands of the Mother of God. The General of the Dominicans communicates to other priests the faculty of blessing and investing with the scapular.

R. THE WHITE (Medal) SCAPULAR OF THE HOLY FACE (St. Veronica's Scapular)

This scapular bears on a piece of white cloth the well-known picture connected with St. Veronica. This scapular is worn by the members of the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face. The members can, however, wear the picture on a medal or cross, in place of the scapular. The wearing of this picture is simply one of the pious practices of the archconfraternity, without any special indulgences.

S. GREEN SCAPULAR OF THE DAUGHERS OF CHARITY OF ST.VINCENT de PAUL (Paulists Scapular)

In 1840, Mary appeared to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu (a Seminary Sister of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul) in Paris, France and commended the Green Scapular to her. It's known as "the Scapular of Conversion," and its promises are the strengthening of faith, protection against Satan, a happy death for Catholics, and, most of all, for conversion for those outside the Church. It's to be worn or carried by the faithful, or given to an unbeliever for their conversion. The following prayer is to be said daily by the wearer:

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death

Latin version: Cor immaculatum Mariae, ora pro nobis nunc et in hora mortis nostrae If the scapular is given to an unbeliever for their conversion, the person giving the scapular prays the prayer for them, especially if the unbeliever does not want to pray the prayer himself. If the unbeliever does not want the scapular, it may be hidden in their vicinity and the prayers said for him. Enrollment in a Confraternity is not necessary for this scapular.. It may be blessed by any priest..

Our Lady said,"The greatest graces come from using the scapular but these graces come in direct proportion to the degree of confidence in me which the user has."

St. Bridget had that confidence in the Blessed Mother. Because of it Our Lady revealed to her, 'that there is no sinner in the world, however much he or she may be at enmity with God, who does not return to Him and recover His grace, if he or she has recourse to me and asks my assistance.

T. FIVE FOLD SCAPULAR:

The Traditional Five-Fold Scapular is made of 5 of the following Scapulars above: first, the "The Red Scapular of the Passion," then the "The White Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity," the "The Brown Scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel," the "The Black Scapular of the Seven Dolors of Mary," and the The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception." Any priest can invest you with this scapular. (though you'd need each of the scapulars blessed by the other 5 priests of the other orders).

Love, Grace & Peace, Dorian Abundant Kwanzaa & Prosperous, Healthy & Peace Filled New Year!!!

-- DontKnow More (AddMoreIfYouKnow@yahoo.com), January 03, 2005.


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