The word scapular derives from the Latin "scapularium". "scapula"which can be translated as "back" or "shoulder" and "shoulder". "-ario"which is used to indicate relationship or belonging.
This term is used to refer to a garment used by religious orders as a monastic vestment or a piece of devotion.
Originally the scapular was an apron worn by the monks during work, so as not to soil the tunic.
It consists of a strip with an opening through which the head is inserted and which hangs over the chest and back. This scapular is a piece of the habit still used today by the Carmelites as a symbol of the yoke of Christ.
Over time, religious orders such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Carmelites, gave lay people seeking to participate in their spiritualitya sign of union and belonging. Certain elements of the habits of each order became a symbol of identity. Among the Carmelites, the scapular, reduced in size, was established as a sign of belonging to the order and an expression of its spirituality.
Therefore, the devotional scapular is derived from the monastic one, but it is much smaller. It is composed of two pieces of cloth that are joined by ribbons so that it can be hung around the neck and fulfill its devotional purpose.
The best known devotional scapulars are the scapulars of the Virgin of Carmen (brown), of the Virgin of Mercy (white), of the Passion (red), of the Immaculate Conception (blue), of the Trinity (white), of the Our Lady of Sorrows (black) and San Jose (purple).
Many of these have been approved and indulged by the Church. They are intended to remind those who wear them of the duties and ideals of the corresponding order.
Scapulars consist of a cord worn around the neck with two small pieces of cloth. One is placed on the chest and the other on the back and is usually worn under clothing.
In the case of the Discalced Carmelite nuns, the scapular continues to be part of their clothing, which, as determined by their founder Saint Teresa of Jesus, is poor and austere, made of brown cloth, composed of the habit itself, strap, headdress, veil and white cloak worn on certain occasions. (Rule, 1991: 89).
For them, to wear the Carmelite scapular means to manifest their belonging to their order and their commitment to reverence the virtues of the Virgin Mary. (Ibid., 1991: 65)
The scapular is a sign of Mary's maternal love and protection and of her call to a life of holiness and sinlessness. For this reason, wearing the scapular is a response of love to the Blessed Virgin Mary. who came to give us the gift of his mercy. We should use it as a reminder that we wish to imitate her and live in grace under her protective mantle.
Maternal protection is represented in the Bible by a mantle or cloth. We see how the Blessed Virgin Mary, when Jesus is born, wraps him in a mantle.. Mother always tries to shelter her children.
Wrapping in her mantle is a maternal sign of protection and care. The Blessed Virgin Mary covers us of our spiritual nakedness representing this embrace by means of the scapular.
The scapular becomes the symbol of our consecration and belonging to the Virgin Mary. To recognize her mission of Mother over us and to surrender ourselves to her in order to let ourselves be guided, taught and molded by her and in her heart. In this way we can be his instruments for the extension of the Kingdom of God.
"May the scapular be your sign of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which we are particularly in need of in these dangerous times" (Pope Pius XII , 1950).
The scapular also symbolizes that yoke that Jesus invites us to bear, but which the Blessed Virgin Mary helps us to carry..
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am patient and humble of heart, and so you will find relief. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mt 11:29 30)
The Carmelite scapular is a devotion born in the XII century. Nowadays, it is made of two little squares of brown fabric joined by cords, which have on one side the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and on the other the Heart of Jesus, or the coat of arms of the Order of Carmel.
This small garment is reminiscent of the Carmelite habit, which is why it is made of cloth. The people who wear it commit themselves to live a life of prayerdevotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and commitment to the Church.
After the Second Vatican Council, a new impetus was given to the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel because it was recognized as "a sacred sign, after the model of the sacraments, by means of which effects are obtained, especially spiritual ones, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church." (Second Vatican Council -SC 60). Since then, the Carmelite scapular is a sacramentalIt is a sign that helps us to live a holy life and to increase our devotion. It does not communicate graces as do the Christian sacramentsIt disposes to the love of the Lord and to repentance if it is received with devotion.
The use of the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a widespread devotion among popes. John Paul II lived it throughout his life. "It was no secret that he had worn the scapular all his life and spoke of it as an expression of his particular love for the Virgin Mary." (Fr. Miceal O'Neill, Carmelite).
The Blessed Virgin Mary wants to reveal the scapular to us in a special way. In the apparitions of Fatima, Lucia, today Sister Mary of the Immaculate Heart, reports that, in the last one, Our Lady appeared dressed in the Carmelite habit and with the scapular in her hand. And she recalled that her true children would wear it and that they would wear it with reverence. Also that those who consecrate themselves to her should wear it as a sign of their consecration.
The Carmelite scapular is a manifestation of the protection of the Mother of God to her devotees. Since July 16, 1251, Our Lady of Mount Carmel appeared to St. Simon Stock, and said to him: "He who dies with the scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.". It is no small matter, said Pius XII, to attain eternal life by virtue of the promise made by the Blessed Virgin.
Many Popes, saints and theologians have explained that this promise means that whoever has devotion to the scapular and wears it, will receive from the Blessed Virgin Mary at the hour of death, the grace of perseverance in the state of grace or the grace of contrition. It means that Our Lady, as dispenser of graces, will help us to die in a state of grace, without grave sin or to die having had an authentic repentance.
This privilege is based on a bull that was proclaimed by Pope John XXII, also recognized by Pius XII, after the promise of the Blessed Virgin Mary made during an apparition.
In his bull called Sabatina, Pope John XXII affirms that those who wear the scapular will be quickly freed from the pains of purgatory on Saturday. (the day the Church has dedicated to Our Lady) following her death, through the special intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Conditions for the Sabbath privilege to be realized:
Pope Paul V confirmed in an official proclamation that the Sabbath privilege could be taught to all believers.
The advantages of the Sabbath privilege were confirmed by the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences on July 14, 1908.
Any priest can impose the scapular on the devotee who requests it. Many Christians ask the Carmelites to impose it on them with a short prayer.
It must be blessed by a priest and imposed by him while he prays: "receive this blessed scapular and ask the Blessed Virgin that, by her merits, you wear it without any stain of sin and that she protect you from all evil and lead you to eternal life".
Pope St. John Paul II wrote concerning the scapular: "It is a sign of the Blessed Virgin's continuous protection, not only throughout life, but also at the moment of transition to the fullness of eternal glory."
As a sign of consecration to Mary, the Mother of God, it was and continues to be very important. The use of the scapular is a commitment to live the virtues of Mary.
Through the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Carmelite family wishes to share God's gifts and, in a particular way, Mary's maternal love, with all those who wish to be included. Mary takes charge of the body of Christ: the Church, just as she wrapped her son in swaddling clothes at his birth.. The scapular is a symbol that expresses Mary's protection for the person who wears it. A mother helps a child to grow: Mary helps us to be what God knows we can be, and a mother teaches her child by example. In Canaan, she tells us, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:5). By looking at it we learn what it means to be a follower of Christ.
It is a reminder of Mary's commitment to us and our commitment to Mary. It is a reminder of her constant presence in our lives and her interest in us. She is truly a mother and a sister who leads and guides us to Christ in whom we find salvation. He is with us in life and in death: "Pray for us now and at the hour of our death".
"Lord, grant that all those who wear the scapular with devotion, may also be clothed with the virtues of Mary to enjoy her untiring protection."
With the collaboration of:
Opusdei.org
Carmelitas.org
Figueroa, M. Antonia. The scapular: insignia of Marian devotion.
Marcelo del Niño Jesús (1929). Instructions on the devotion to the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Hearts.org
