What is the scapular?
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a large triangular-shaped bone that lies in the upper back. The bone is surrounded and supported by a complex system of muscles that work together to help you move your arm.
Does a scapular protect you?
A traditional formulation of the Scapular Promise is “Take this Scapular. Whosoever dies wearing it shall not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and pledge of peace.” A central belief about the Brown Scapular is its signification of the wearer’s consecration to Mary.
Is a scapular a sacramental?
A Popular Sacramental In its original form, the scapular is a part of the monastic habit (the outfit that monks wear). It is composed of two large pieces of cloth, connected in the middle by narrower strips of cloth, much like an apron that covers both the front and the back of the wearer.
How do you pray the scapular?
O my God, in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary (here kiss your Brown Scapular), 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.
Do Christians wear scapulars?
Today, the monastic scapular is part of the garb, the habit, of many Christian religious orders, of both monks and nuns. It is an outer garment about the width of the chest, from shoulder to shoulder.
How is a scapular worn?
It is similar to a poncho, placed over the head, sleeveless, and covers the wearer’s front and back down to below the knees. As scapular popularity grew among religious communities, laypeople also wanted to wear such garments as they sought to imitate the pious, holy ways of the monks.
Do you have to be Catholic to wear a scapular?
Upholding Its Religious Meaning. Enroll in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular. The Confraternity of the Brown Scapular is affiliated with the Carmelite Order, and the brown scapular is what they wear to show their devotion. You need to be Catholic to become a part of the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular.
Can anyone wear a scapular?
Also, anyone may wear the brown scapular if it is blessed by a priest or deacon. Whether or not formally committed to the order, those who wear the scapular are considered part of the Carmelite order. It is unthinkable that any member of the people of God would wear the scapular in a mindless or careless manner.
What is the purpose of wearing a scapular?
Devotional scapulars are objects of popular piety, primarily worn by Roman Catholics, as well as some Anglicans and Lutherans, designed to show the wearer’s pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life, as well as reminding the wearer of that promise.
What does wearing a brown scapular mean?
Many Catholics are said to have been given a second chance at redemption or saved from hell because of their scapular. Wearing the brown scapular means that if you are dying and have sinned, the Virgin Mary will help you absolve your sins so you die in a state of grace.
What is the story behind the Catholic scapular?
Many Catholics wear a scapular. The word scapular is from the Latin scapula, meaning shoulder blade. It is a garment first designed by monks during the Middle Ages as protective covering to be worn over their clothing when they did manual labor, such as in the fields or outside.
