How to Wear the Brown Scapular: A Complete Guide
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a powerful sacramental and a visible sign of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s a promise of her maternal protection and a commitment to living a life pleasing to God. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Brown Scapular, from its origins and meaning to how to wear it, the requirements for enrollment, and the promises associated with it.
## What is the Brown Scapular?
The Brown Scapular is a devotional sacramental consisting of two small pieces of brown wool cloth connected by cords. It is a miniature version of the scapular worn by the Carmelite religious order. The word “scapular” comes from the Latin word “scapulae,” meaning shoulders, as the original monastic scapular was an apron-like garment worn over the habit during manual labor.
The Brown Scapular is not a magical charm or a guarantee of salvation. Rather, it is a sign of consecration to Mary, a commitment to imitate her virtues, and a pledge to live a life of prayer and penance. It is a constant reminder of our relationship with Mary and her role as our spiritual Mother.
## History of the Brown Scapular
The origin of the Brown Scapular dates back to the 13th century. According to tradition, on July 16, 1251, Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, then Prior General of the Carmelite Order, in Cambridge, England. She presented him with the Brown Scapular, saying:
“Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. Whoever dies clothed in this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire. It is the sign of salvation, a safeguard in dangers, a pledge of peace and of the covenant.”
This promise, known as the Sabbatine Privilege, has been a source of great comfort and hope for countless Catholics throughout history. It is important to note that the Sabbatine Privilege requires fulfilling certain conditions, which will be discussed later in this guide.
## Meaning and Symbolism of the Brown Scapular
The Brown Scapular is rich in symbolism. Here are some of the key meanings associated with it:
* **Devotion to Mary:** The scapular is a tangible sign of our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and our desire to imitate her virtues. By wearing it, we acknowledge her role as our spiritual Mother and seek her intercession.
* **Protection:** The scapular is a safeguard against spiritual dangers and a source of protection in times of difficulty. It reminds us of Mary’s constant presence in our lives and her willingness to help us in our needs.
* **Commitment to Holiness:** Wearing the scapular is a commitment to live a life of holiness and to strive for spiritual perfection. It calls us to prayer, penance, and the practice of virtue.
* **Belonging to the Carmelite Family:** The scapular connects us to the Carmelite Order, a religious order known for its devotion to Mary and its commitment to prayer and contemplation. We become spiritual members of the Carmelite family and share in their spiritual blessings.
* **Sign of Salvation:** The promise associated with the scapular is that those who die wearing it will be saved from eternal fire. This promise is not a guarantee of salvation, but rather an encouragement to persevere in faith and to live a life pleasing to God.
## Materials and Design of the Brown Scapular
The Brown Scapular must be made of **100% brown wool**. This is the only material that fulfills the requirements established by the Church. The wool symbolizes humility and poverty. The scapular consists of two rectangular pieces of wool cloth connected by cords or strings, usually made of wool or cotton.
The size of the scapular can vary, but it should be large enough to be visible. Traditionally, one piece of the scapular is worn on the chest and the other on the back, with the cords going over the shoulders. While small variations are acceptable, maintaining the core material of 100% brown wool is critical. Images or decorations are permitted on the scapular, but they are not required. Common images include Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or other religious symbols.
## How to Wear the Brown Scapular
Wearing the Brown Scapular is a simple but significant act of devotion. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wear it properly:
1. **Enrollment:** The first step is to be formally enrolled in the Brown Scapular Confraternity by a priest or authorized person. This is a one-time ceremony that consecrates you to Mary and makes you a member of the Carmelite family. Any Catholic priest can perform the enrollment. He does not need to be a Carmelite priest.
2. **Obtain a Scapular:** Purchase a Brown Scapular made of 100% brown wool. You can find them at most Catholic bookstores or online religious suppliers.
3. **The Initial Blessing:** The priest who enrolls you will also bless the scapular. This blessing is important as it sets the scapular apart for sacred use.
4. **Wearing the Scapular:** Once the scapular has been blessed, wear it over your head, with one piece of the wool cloth resting on your chest and the other on your back. The cords should go over your shoulders. It’s worn under your clothing, next to the skin, to serve as a constant reminder.
5. **Living the Commitment:** Wearing the scapular is not just about the physical act of putting it on. It’s about living a life of devotion to Mary and striving for holiness. This means praying daily, practicing virtue, and seeking to follow God’s will in all things.
## Enrollment in the Brown Scapular Confraternity
Enrollment is a simple but important ceremony that formally admits you into the Brown Scapular Confraternity. Here’s what you need to know:
* **Who Can Enroll:** Any Catholic in good standing can be enrolled in the Brown Scapular Confraternity.
* **Who Can Enroll You:** Any Catholic priest can perform the enrollment ceremony. No special permission is required.
* **The Ceremony:** The enrollment ceremony is usually short and simple. The priest will say a prayer of blessing over the scapular and then place it over your head, saying words of enrollment, dedicating you to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
* **One-Time Enrollment:** Enrollment is a one-time event. Once you have been enrolled, you do not need to be enrolled again, even if you replace your scapular.
Here is an example of the prayer the priest might say during the enrollment:
“Receive this blessed Scapular and ask the most holy Virgin, that through her merits, you may wear it without stain of sin. May it protect you against all your enemies and at the hour of your death, receive you into eternal life.”
He may then sprinkle the scapular and the person being enrolled with holy water.
After the enrollment, the priest may lead the person in a prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, such as the following:
“O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.
O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this my necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.
O show me herein you are my Mother,
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
(Repeat three times)
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.”
## Replacing a Worn or Lost Scapular
If your Brown Scapular becomes worn or lost, you can simply replace it with a new one. The new scapular does not need to be blessed, as the blessing is attached to the person, not the object. However, some people prefer to have their new scapular blessed out of piety, which is perfectly acceptable. If you choose to have it blessed, any priest can do so.
## Rules and Requirements for Wearing the Brown Scapular
While wearing the Brown Scapular is a simple act, there are certain rules and requirements associated with it:
1. **Enrollment:** You must be formally enrolled in the Brown Scapular Confraternity by a priest.
2. **Material:** The scapular must be made of 100% brown wool.
3. **Wearing it Constantly:** You should wear the scapular continuously, day and night. There’s no sin in taking it off briefly for hygiene or necessary activities, but the intention should always be to wear it consistently.
4. **Living a Life of Faith:** Wearing the scapular is a commitment to living a life of faith and striving for holiness. This means praying daily, practicing virtue, and seeking to follow God’s will.
## The Sabbatine Privilege
The Sabbatine Privilege is a promise associated with the Brown Scapular, which states that those who die wearing the scapular and fulfill certain conditions will be delivered from Purgatory on the first Saturday after their death. The conditions for the Sabbatine Privilege are:
1. **Wearing the Brown Scapular until death.**
2. **Observing chastity according to one’s state in life.** This means married couples living a chaste married life and single people remaining chaste.
3. **Reciting the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary daily.** This can be a bit lengthy, and many people find it challenging to fulfill. However, the Church has provided alternatives. With permission from a priest, you can substitute this requirement with:
* Abstaining from meat on Wednesdays and Saturdays (unless Christmas falls on one of those days).
* Praying the Rosary daily.
* Performing some other good work or penance.
It’s important to note that the Sabbatine Privilege is not a right, but rather a favor granted by the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a source of great hope and encouragement for those who wear the Brown Scapular and strive to live a life pleasing to God.
## Prayers to Say While Wearing the Brown Scapular
While there are no specific prayers that *must* be said while wearing the Brown Scapular, it is encouraged to pray regularly and to foster a close relationship with Mary. Here are some suggestions:
* **The Hail Mary:** This is the most common and beloved prayer to Mary. Praying the Hail Mary regularly is a powerful way to honor her and seek her intercession.
* **The Rosary:** The Rosary is a beautiful and powerful prayer that meditates on the mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary. Praying the Rosary daily is a wonderful way to grow closer to Mary and to deepen your faith.
* **The Memorare:** This is a prayer of confidence in Mary’s intercession. It is often recited in times of need or distress.
* **Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel:** “O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.”
* **Spontaneous Prayers:** You can also simply talk to Mary in your own words, sharing your joys, sorrows, and needs with her.
## Common Misconceptions About the Brown Scapular
There are some common misconceptions about the Brown Scapular that need to be addressed:
* **It is not a magical charm:** The Brown Scapular is not a guarantee of salvation or a protection against all harm. It is a sign of devotion to Mary and a commitment to living a life of faith.
* **It does not excuse sin:** Wearing the scapular does not give you a license to sin. It is a reminder to avoid sin and to strive for holiness.
* **It is not a superstition:** The Brown Scapular is not a superstitious object. It is a sacramental, a sacred sign that points to God and helps us to grow in faith.
* **It is not just for Catholics:** While the Brown Scapular is a Catholic sacramental, anyone who has a sincere desire to honor Mary and to live a life of faith can wear it. However, the formal enrollment and the Sabbatine Privilege are specifically for Catholics.
## The Brown Scapular and Modern Life
In today’s world, the Brown Scapular remains a powerful symbol of faith and devotion. It is a constant reminder of Mary’s presence in our lives and her willingness to help us in our needs. Despite the changing times, the message of the Brown Scapular remains the same: to live a life of prayer, penance, and devotion to Mary.
Many people find comfort in wearing the scapular, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. It serves as a tangible connection to their faith and a reminder that they are not alone. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the Brown Scapular offers a sense of peace and security.
## Testimonies and Stories
Countless individuals throughout history have testified to the power and protection of the Brown Scapular. From miraculous healings to spiritual conversions, the stories are abundant. These testimonies serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for those who wear the scapular and trust in Mary’s intercession.
Consider researching and including some specific, verifiable stories of individuals who attribute blessings or protection to their wearing of the Brown Scapular. This can add a powerful personal touch to your article.
## Conclusion
The Brown Scapular is a powerful sacramental and a beautiful expression of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. By wearing it with faith and living a life of prayer and penance, we can draw closer to Mary and experience her maternal protection. May this guide help you to understand the meaning and significance of the Brown Scapular and to embrace its message of hope and salvation.
Wearing the Brown Scapular is a commitment, a promise, and a sign of love. It’s a reminder of Mary’s constant presence and her unwavering support. Embrace it with an open heart, and allow it to guide you on your journey of faith.
Remember to consult with your priest or spiritual director for further guidance on living out your commitment to the Brown Scapular.