Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: July 16
"Whoever dies wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire". Our Lady of Mount Carmel to St. Simon Stock
The History of the Brown Scapular
The scapular originated in the 13th century as a functional, apron-like monastic garment (from Latin scapula, meaning shoulder) worn by Carmelites to protect their habits during work. Initially, the scapular was a long, sleeveless garment stretching from shoulders to knees or feet, worn by Benedictines as early as the 7th century to protect habits.
In the year 1251, in the town of Aylesford in England, Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite Monk. She handed him a brown woollen scapular and said, “This shall be a privilege for you and all Carmelites, that anyone who dies wearing this habit shall not suffer eternal fire.” In time, the Church extended this privilege to all the laity who are willing to be invested in the Brown Scapular of the Carmelites and who perpetually wear it. St. Simon Stock received the scapular from Mary as a special sign of her protection for the Carmelite order, which was then struggling.
The "small brown scapular" worn today by laity evolved from the large monastic version, allowing the faithful to share in the Carmelite grace and special privileges.
The Carmelite order received approval to wear the scapular from Pope Honorius III in 1233, and its devotion was further reinforced by later papal recognition, such as the 1322 Sabbatine Privilege.
While the Brown Scapular is the most famous, other types like the Green Scapular (originated in 1840) exist, but all function as devotional sacramentals associated with Catholic faith and Mary's intercession.
Enrolment in the Confraternity
To be eligible for the scapular promise, one must be enrolled in the Brown Scapular Confraternity. This is a simple ceremony which can be performed by any priest. The members of the Confraternity have the added benefit of sharing in all the spiritual benefits of the Carmelite Order.
According to a statement made by the Carmelite Fathers at the National Scapular Centre, every priest now has the right to invest the faithful in the Brown Scapular.
The Morning Offering
O my God, in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary (here kiss the scapular as a sign of your consecration), I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus from all the altars throughout the world, joining with It the offering of my every thought, word and action of this day. O my Jesus, I desire today to gain every indulgence and merit I can, and I offer them, together with myself, to Mary Immaculate, that she may best apply them to the interests of Thy most Sacred Heart. Precious Blood of Jesus, save us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! (Pope Benedict XV granted 500 days indulgence for devoutly kissing your scapular.)
The Sabbatine Privilege
What is the Sabbatine Privilege?
On March 3rd, 1322, Pope John XXII issued a papal bull called Sacratissimo Uti Culmine. Here, Pope John XXII describes a vision he had of the Blessed Virgin in which she declares to him:
"I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in purgatory I shall free so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting"
The requirements to receive such an amazing gift are minor in comparison with its promise:
- One must be enrolled in the Brown Scapular and thus the Confraternity of the Carmelites
- One must observe chastity according to one’s state in life.
- One must pray daily the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or if granted by a priest, pray the Rosary daily.
Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, splendour of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God and Mother of mine, support me by your unfailing love and help and protect me. Show me that you are my Mother.
May I, unworthy though I am, come one day to exchange your scapular that I had the privilege to wear for the wedding garment of heaven, and dwell with you and all the saints of Carmel in the kingdom of your Son.
(Make your petition)
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your loving hands. O Mary, my Mother, I consecrate myself to you forever. I offer you my body with all its miseries, my soul with all its imperfections, and my heart with all its affections and desires. I offer you all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings, my struggles and especially my death with all that it will entail. I unite all of these, Mother, with your own joys and sufferings. Amen.
Queen and Beauty of Carmel, pray for us.