Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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confraternity. However, for the canonical establishment of the confraternity in other churches or places, the written consent of the ordinary is required. … Members are bound to set aside regularly time to be with God in prayer, frequent participation in the Eucharist, daily recitation of one of the hours of the liturgy or of some psalms or the rosary or other equivalent prayers. If possible, they will meet periodically to build up the sense of fraternity, to study the spirit of Carmel, to care for brothers and sisters in need, all in union with Mary. They may gain plenary indulgences, provided they fulfill the usual conditions, on the day they join the confraternity and on the following feasts: the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (July 16), St Elijah, prophet (July 20), St Simon Stock (May 16), St Therese of the Child Jesus (October 1), St Teresa of Jesus (October 15), All Carmelite Saints (November 14), and St John of the Cross (December 14) …

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affiliated with the religious orders to wear some sign of membership, frequently some part derived from the religious habit such as a cord, cloak or scapular. During part of their history, the lay affiliates of the Carmelites wore the white mantle which the friars wore, or even the full habit. The small brown scapular and Mary's promise of salvation for the wearer, began to be promoted to the laity in the form we are familiar with today by Giovanni Battista Rossi, prior general of the Carmelites from 1564 to 1578.

2971: 2959: 53: 466:, who was Prior General of the Carmelite Order in the middle of the 13th century. The earliest reference to this tradition, dating from the late 14th century, states that "St. Simon was an Englishman, a man of great holiness and devotion, who always in his prayers asked the Virgin to favor his Order with some singular privilege. The Virgin appeared to him holding the Scapular in her hand saying, 'This is for you and yours a privilege; the one who dies in it will be saved.'" 550:). Religious pictures or symbols, though unnecessary, may be sewn on; this custom began in the eighteenth century. The catechesis also acknowledged that the Scapular was formerly required to be made from 100% wool (a rule since dropped); it further stated the habits of the Carmelite religious are also now typically made of other, less expensive yet more practical materials. It is normally worn under the clothes but not pinned to undergarments. 309: 31: 534: 526: 83: 1851: 394:, the Brown Scapular is "an external sign of the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Mount Carmel, and the faithful who entrust themselves totally to her protection, who have recourse to her maternal intercession, who are mindful of the primacy of the spiritual life and the need for prayer." 1473:

Hugh Clark, O.Carm writes: "Too much stress has been placed on the promises of eternal salvation on an individual basis. At times the scapular has been preached as an easy way to heaven, guaranteed by Mary's promise and intervention which softened the severity of God's judgment. Any attempt to revive

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In Europe in the past there was often a local confraternity which met for fellowship and spiritual formation. Today, at least in North America, those enrolled by a priest into the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular typically have no visible group to belong to, nor are written records kept concerning

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The supreme moderator of the Carmelite Order is the competent authority for the canonically established of a confraternity. For churches belonging to the Order, the consent given by he ordinary for the canonical establishment of the religious house is also valid for the canonical establishment of the

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In his 2001 "Message to the Carmelite Family" on the occasion of the 750th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady to St. Simon Stock, Pope John Paul II wrote: "This intense Marian life, which is expressed in trusting prayer, enthusiastic praise and diligent imitation, enables us to understand how

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Pope Pius XII declared during the 700th anniversary celebrations of the vision of Our Lady to St. Simon Stock "The Scapular is essentially a habit. The person who receives it, by virtue of accepting it, is associated to a greater or lesser degree with the Order of Carmel." (from his Apostolic letter

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Fr. Paul D'Souza, OCD. The Carmelite Scapular: History and Devotion - This article mentions the 17th century forgery, probably by a Carmelite named Fr. John Cheron, of what was purported to be a fragment of a letter by Saint Simon Stock's secretary Peter Swanington (or Swanyngton). This "Swanington"

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on the first Saturday after their death, as long as they fulfill certain conditions. The Vatican has denied the validity of this document since 1613, but has not forbidden the Carmelites "to preach that the Christian people may piously believe in the help which the souls of brothers and members, who

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The nature of the spiritual help associated with the Brown Scapular came to be described in greater detail and specificity. 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

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There is also a Confraternity of the Brown Scapular. According to the 1996 version of the rite of enrollment, "The scapular confraternity of Carmel is an association of the faithful who strive for the perfection of charity in the world in the spirit of the Carmelite Order, participate in the life of

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2. As a sign, it is a conventional sign signifying three elements strictly joined: first, belonging to a religious family particularly devoted to Mary, especially dear to Mary, the Carmelite Order; second, consecration to Mary, devotion to and trust in her Immaculate Heart; third an incitement to

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is bound to the history and spiritual values of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and is expressed through the scapular. Thus, whoever receives the scapular becomes a member of the order and pledges him/herself to live according to its spirituality in accordance

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friar in which Hornby ridiculed Dominican claims to have received their habit from the Blessed Virgin—this was a claim common to several different orders in the Middle Ages. Hornby showed no sign of being aware of any similar claim that had been made by a fellow English Carmelite in the preceding

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According to Hugh Clarke, "The origins of the Scapular devotion are to be found in the desires of lay people during the Middle ages to be closely associated with the Carmelite Order and its spirituality." It was customary for laypeople who belonged to confraternities, sodalities, or third orders

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In the Middle Ages, a habit was an essential part of the identity of members of religious orders. To remove one's habit was tantamount to leaving the monastic state . The Carmelite Constitution of 1369 stipulates automatic excommunication for Carmelites who say Mass without a scapular, while the

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Pope Bl. Pius XII declared in 1951 during the 700th anniversary celebrations of the vision of Our Lady to St. Simon Stock "The Scapular is essentially a habit. The person who receives it, by virtue of accepting it, is associated to a greater or lesser degree with the Order of Carmel." (from his

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Receive this Scapular, a sign of your special relationship with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whom you pledge to imitate. May it be a reminder to you of your dignity as a Christian, in serving others and imitating Mary. Wear it as a sign of her protection and of belonging to the Family of Carmel,

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The Scapular Medal can also be worn in case of real necessity or for very serious reasons, such as an allergy to wool. But if the Scapular Medal is worn for insufficient reason, such as vanity or convenience, the wearer runs the risk of not receiving the benefit of the Scapular promise. It is

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to the end will be saved." Gerard concludes: "the brother himself, and the prior of the same Order, brother Simon, a religious and truthful man, have related these things to our friars." This story which bears a notable similarity to the traditional story of the scapular vision and promise of

655:, members of both branches belong to communities which meet together regularly for prayer and spiritual formation. The small Brown Scapular is the habit of these Carmelite laity, with a larger ceremonial Scapular normally worn outside the clothes at community meetings and official functions. 684:

With regard to the scapular as a conventional and sacred sign, the Church has intervened at various times in history to clarify its meaning, defend it, and confirm the privileges. From these Church documents there emerges with sufficient clarity the nature and meaning of the Carmelite

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The earliest form of the Scapular promise states simply that wearers of the brown scapular, the Carmelite habit, will be saved. Originally, this referred to Carmelite religious who remained faithful to their vocation. Later the small Brown Scapular became popular with the laity as a

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by the Archbishop of Washington D.C., the scapular must consist of two pieces of brown cloth with one segment hanging on the wearer's chest, and the other hanging on his/her back. These pieces are joined by two straps or strings which overlap each shoulder—hence the word "scapular"

1008:. It is also the source of some other oft-repeated details, such as the location of the vision at Cambridge, England. There is further information and analysis on the "Swanington" forgery in a July–December, 1904 Irish Ecclesiastical Record article by Herbert Thurston, S.J., 449:

The Carmelite scapular was widespread in European countries at the end of the 16th century. There are many books that include formulas of blessing for those who wear the scapular. The moment when they receive the scapular formally is significant, as is the hour of death.

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Pope Pius X expressed his preference for the cloth scapular. Pope Benedict XV proclaimed the church's strong preference for the cloth rather to be worn than the medal. This preference is because cloth is important to the sign value of the scapular as a garment, a habit.

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and legislation and discussion relating to it within the order during that time span, do not mention nor seem to imply a tradition about the Blessed Virgin giving the Scapular to the Carmelites, nor do the notable Carmelite writers of the 14th century, such as

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The first mention of the vision appears in the late 14th century, almost 150 years after the date in 1251 when it is sometimes stated to have occurred, and is not noted in the earliest accounts of Simon Stock's life and miracles. The history of the Carmelite

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the most genuine form of devotion to the Blessed Virgin, expressed by the humble sign of the Scapular, is consecration to her Immaculate Heart." He also stated in the same letter: "I too have worn the Scapular of Carmel over my heart for a long time!"

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the true dimension of the scapular devotion must take account of the reality that, by accepting the scapular, the wearer is associated with the Order of Carmel and pledges himself/herself to strive to live its ideals." source: Hugh Clarke, O.Carm

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Today, the Carmelite Orders, while encouraging Marian devotions, explicitly state in their official literature that they do not promulgate the Sabbatine privilege, and that they are at one with official church teaching on the matter.

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as a religious article and has probably served as the prototype of all the other devotional scapulars. The liturgical feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16, is popularly associated with the devotion of the Scapular.

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the Order and its spiritual benefits in an intimate communion of thought, ideals, and works together with Mary." Furthermore, the current rules (approved 1996) for starting a canonical local confraternity is given:

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important to remember that the small Scapular worn by the lay faithful is meant to be a miniature version of what the Carmelites wear as part of their Religious Habit, which is never substituted for anything else.

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As far as a metal scapular goes, they are fine to wear. ... You must first have already been invested with a blessed woolen scapular first and then have the medal blessed to replace the woolen scapular.

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When the brown woolen scapular is imposed upon you (investiture ceremony), it should hang over your shoulders, either outside or inside your clothing, but later it can be replaced with a metal scapular

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Because wool deteriorates rapidly in tropical climates, since 1910 those properly invested into a confraternity may wear properly blessed scapular medals with the depiction of Jesus with his

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1. The scapular is a Marian habit or garment. It is both a sign and pledge. A sign of belonging to Mary; a pledge of her motherly protection, not only in this life but after death.

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Any Catholic priest may invest a baptised Catholic with the Brown Scapular. Lay people are unable to bless a Scapular. There is a form of the blessing and investiture in the

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letter was the origin of the July 16, 1251 date for Saint Simon Stock's vision, this date having been chosen presumably because July 16th was (and still is) the Feast of

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Volume XXI, pp 17-22. "St. Simon Stock--The Scapular Vision & the Brown Scapular Devotion." July–August 2005, Discalced Carmelite Secular Order, Washington Province.

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in the 12th century are thought to have worn a belted tunic and striped mantle typical of pilgrims; when the Carmelites moved to Europe in the 13th century and became a

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A list of all the congregations, notable members, priories, churches, and convents of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (Carmelites)

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Amidst confusing evidence, it has been suggested that some other Carmelite than Simon Stock had a mystical vision, the story of which was later associated with him. A

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2008 article via Zenit news service by Fr. Kieran Kavenaugh, OCD discusses devotion to the Brown Scapular, the existence of historical problems, and pastoral practice

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In the current Catechesis prepared under the direction of the North American prior provincials of the Carmelite Order and the Order of Discalced Carmelites and given

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membership. Some have called for a return to the practice of organized confraternities and renewed awareness of the scapular's connection to Carmelite spirituality.

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on the obverse. It is acceptable to wear a metal scapular medal, though one must be invested with the cloth scapular first. The Sisters of Carmel maintain:

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At times the scapular has been criticized as an easy way to heaven, a manner of superstition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, however, states that

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which will normally be found in any Catholic parish. The most recent Rite for the Blessing of and Enrollment in the Scapular, approved in 1996 by the

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History and spirituality of the Brown Scapular devotion by Teresa Polk, including discussion of the historical problems with some of the claims

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approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and for the Discipline of the Sacraments, November 29, 1996. Can be found in the publication *

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approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and for the Discipline of the Sacraments, November 29, 1996. Can be found in the publication *

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in 1322. It states that Pope John XXII had a vision of Mary personally delivering the souls of Carmelites and Confraternity members out of

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in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it."

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The current rite of enrollment in the Brown Scapular also permits for persons to be enrolled in the scapular without joining a group.

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Church, one of the souls in purgatory begging for Mary's intercession appears to be wearing a Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

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Hilgers, Joseph. "Sabbatine Privilege." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 13. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 23 Dec. 2014

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voluntarily doing the will of God and devoting yourself to building a world true to his plan of community, justice and peace.

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Unlike typical sacramentals, scapulars are not merely blessed, but need to be invested by a priest to enroll the faithful.

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Hilgers, Joseph. "Scapular." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 13. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 22 Dec. 2014

233: 3354: 3225: 2835: 2759: 2410: 1542: 1478:; Carmelite Province of Our Lady of the Assumption; Anglo Irish Province of the Discalced Carmelites, 1994. (booklet) 1458: 1434:; Carmelite Province of Our Lady of the Assumption; Anglo Irish Province of the Discalced Carmelites, 1994. (booklet) 1362:; Carmelite Province of Our Lady of the Assumption; Anglo Irish Province of the Discalced Carmelites, 1994. (booklet) 906:; Carmelite Province of Our Lady of the Assumption; Anglo Irish Province of the Discalced Carmelites, 1994. (booklet) 844:; Carmelite Province of Our Lady of the Assumption; Anglo Irish Province of the Discalced Carmelites, 1994. (booklet) 773:

One of the beliefs most influential in popularizing the brown scapular devotion was a purported promise known as the

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This is the Church's officially established connection between the sign and that which is signified by the sign.

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of friars they adopted a new habit that included a brown belted tunic, brown scapular, hood, and white mantle.

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Carmelite scholar Kieran Kavanaugh summarized the Catholic Church's official position on the Brown Scapular:

166: 1545:- includes a pre-Vatican II ceremony for blessing and investiture in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular 1066: 2865: 1989: 241: 190: 3359: 2589: 2584: 2400: 2314: 928:"La cronica Carmelitana" by the Carmelite Joseph Falcone; referenced by the Catholic Encyclopedia, 1912; 158: 2157: 1173: 3174: 3031: 2970: 2958: 2764: 2691: 2065: 174: 2142: 2101: 2620: 2461: 1938: 1913: 1744: 496:

history compiled by Gerard of Frachet in 1259–1260 tells of the 1237 drowning death of the Dominican

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No mention is made of the vision of St. Simon Stock or of that of Pope John XXII in relation to the

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become like Mary by imitating her virtues, above all her humility, chastity, and spirit of prayer.

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The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also called the "Brown Scapular", with gold embroidery.

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Prepared under the direction of the North American Provincials of the Carmelite Orders. 2000.

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Prepared under the direction of the North American Provincials of the Carmelite Orders. 2000.

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Prepared under the direction of the North American Provincials of the Carmelite Orders. 2000.

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Prepared under the direction of the North American Provincials of the Carmelite Orders. 2000.

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Prepared under the direction of the North American Provincials of the Carmelite Orders. 2000.

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Constitutions of 1324 and 1294 consider it a serious fault to sleep without the scapular.

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wrote in an Apostolic letter to the Carmelites on the 700th anniversary of the vision of

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have departed this life in charity, have worn in life the scapular, have ever observed

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750th anniversary of the bestowal of the Scapular, With Mary the Mother of Jesus

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Scapular Message issued jointly by the OCD and O.Carm Carmelite Priors General

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An Audiobook on miracles of the brown scapular compiled from numerous sources.

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The Carmelites and Antiquity. Mendicants and their Pasts in the Middle Ages

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Online text of the Rite for the Blessing of and Enrollment in the Scapular

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salvation, with obvious differences, is one of very few known references.

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University of Dayton - Guide to the Marian devotional scapular collection

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Devotional print for a Scapular Confraternity in Salzburg, 18th century.

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as their patroness. In its small form, it is widely popular within the

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Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy. Principles and Guidelines.

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Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments;

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Doctrinal Statement of the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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Doctrinal Statement on the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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Doctrinal Statement on the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments

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Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments

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