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Email a FriendPosted by Mary W. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:08 AM (EDT):
Thanks so much for encouraging this devotion! On a side note, I remember my older brothers putting the fear of God into me if I didn’t wear one! lol. 
Why I Wear a Brown Scapular
It's because I belong to Mary
Posted by Danielle Bean in Faith on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 10:30 AM
“Oh, I know what that is,” a fellow library craft class mom once said to me when she caught a glimpse of the brown scapular peeking out of the collar of my t-shirt. “That’s one of those ‘get out of hell free’ cards.”
Not exactly.
My history of wearing a scapular began in my teenaged years when my parents encouraged me to wear one.
As a young Catholic, I read horror stories of devils and days of darkness, and so I wore my scapular daily. Mostly out of fear, I wore it.
After a few years of marriage and motherhood, I became less of an easy scare, I guess, and bit by bit, wearing of the scapular was a practice that I let fall away. I became more and more lax about putting it on until at last my brown scapular found a permanent resting place in my jewelry box.
In recent years, though, as a more grown up Catholic, I came to see the scapular in a new light.
While it’s true that Mary, in an apparition to St. Simon Stock, promised to protect those who wear a scapular from eternal fire, it’s not Mary’s promise that the scapular really symbolizes. It’s ours.
After coming through many a motherly trial thanks only to the good example and faithful generosity of Mary the Mother of God, I retrieved my scapular from my jewelry box and began to wear it again.
I wear a wedding ring as a tangible symbol of my wedding vows and I wear a scapular as a tangible symbol of my special devotion to Mary. My scapular is an outward sign of my trust and hope in Mother Mary, who always leads me to Christ, and who obtains for me the gift of all graces necessary for my salvation.
It’s a devotion I choose to “put on” each day.
If you’ve never looked into wearing a scapular or have never thought about it before, Mary’s month of May just might be the perfect time to consider it. Isn’t it time you showed Mary how much you trust in her?
Comments
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Posted by Jeff Young on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:15 AM (EDT):
I’m 39. I’ve been wearing the scapular since I was 16. Yes, I think I started wearing it out of fear, like it was a magic amulet of sorts. Once I started to grow out of that fearful stage and mature a bit, I wore it for one simple reason (the same reason I wear it today): it helps me feel closer to Mary. It’s an “active” prayer that keeps me connected.
The scapular I am wearing now is torn. The strings in the front are attached to the fabric with safety pins. That’s appropriate, I think. In the hustle and bustle of life, I often feel that I am connected to God by a thread. I know He is there. I know that Mary is close. And, many times, it is the scapular that reminds me of that fact, even though I may not feel it.
Thanks for yet another wonderful post!
Posted by Patricia on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:33 AM (EDT):
We are a Brown Scapular wearing family, too. I like what Fr. John Corapi says, “The Scapular represents a life of prayer.” The Scapular also represents the sweet yoke of Jesus Christ, which Mary helps us to bear. Pope Pius XII said the Scapular marks us as one of Mary’s chosen children, and becomes for us a “Garment of Grace.” How beautiful & powerful are those words!
It would be interesting to hear what other Sacramentals Faith & Family readers have a particular devotion to wearing or carrying with them at all times. Perhaps this could be another post?
Posted by Amy, MEV on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:48 PM (EDT):
Sacramentals I wear daily:
My wedding ring
Crucifx and Miraculous Medal around my neck
St. Philomena waist cord
Posted by Kelly on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:36 PM (EDT):
I wear the Brown Scapular with St. Benedict medal attached, Crucifix, and wedding ring. I also used to wear my Miraculous Medal until the loop broke through and have not yet gotten it fixed
Posted by Mary on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:33 AM (EDT):
Another VERY timely post, Danielle…thanks! I wore my scapular for years, very faithfully, every single day…then, when I was pg w/my now 3 yr old, I took it off one day during a MAJOR bout of itching from head to toe (PUPPS or PRUPPs or something like that) b/c I need to eliminate any possible source of rubbing that would cause the itching…time to put Her back on…off to get it right now! God bless your day!!!
Posted by Cecilia on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:36 AM (EDT):
The Brown Scapular is given to Lay Carmelites (3rd Order) after years of formation, in a church ceremony after making permanent promises. It’s always seemed very odd to me that Lay Carmelites have to go through years of formation to be allowed to wear one & it involves formal affiliation with the Order, but many folks wear them like any generic religious medal honoring Our Lady. The Carmelites haven’t made a fuss about it, but I always find it very jarring when it’s taken out of context. I suppose there are folks who wear the St. Benedict medal without bothering themselves to learn about Benedict’s Rule.
I don’t mean to sound like a grump. But the Brown Scapular is Carmelite, given to the Carmelite priest St. Simon Stock, and the Carmelites have a distinctive charism, history, Rule, and discipline. The Brown Scapular is not something to be assigned its own meaning by the wearer, as if it had no meaning of its own.
Posted by Mary on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:47 AM (EDT):
I am not a “lay Carmelite” but I did go through the entire prayer investment “ceremony” with my confessor many years ago. I didn’t want to just put on a scapular like it was no big deal so I went ahead & printed out the entire investment process, shared it w/my confessor & asked him if he would do it for me. He did & it may not be perfect but I believe that we followed the proper procedures as outlined for wearing the scapular.
Posted by Danielle Bean on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:54 AM (EDT):
If you follow the link in the post, you will find that the brown scapular is indeed a sacramental which has been given to the laity (not just Carmelites)—of course with the Church’s approval. While you do need to be “invested” in the scapular (short, simple ceremony—ask a priest or deacon) there are no specific practices required of those who wear the scapular—only a devotion to Mary. No one pretends that this is the same thing as becoming a lay Carmelite, which is something altogether different:
“Conferral with the scapular indicates a special devotion and consecration to Mary. No one should undertake it who is not spiritually prepared to live in accordance with it.
The short form of investing or conferral consists of a priest or deacon taking a blessed scapular and while placing it over their head reciting with the person any Marian prayer (e.g. Hail Mary, Memorare, Salve Regina). The person is now invested. They don’t have any lists to join, though they are henceforth members of the Scapular Confraternity and share in its spiritual benefits (the prayers of the members). No special daily practices are obliged, though someone consecrated to Mary, of which the scapular is THE sign, should live chastity according to their state and recite the rosary daily.”
Posted by Ann Seeton on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 5:57 PM (EDT):
The Lay Carmelite uses a larger scapular when gathered with other Lay Carmelites and on certain other occasions. This larger scapular represents the commitment of the Lay Carmelite; however, on regular daily wear, they wear the same small scapular as others.
If anyone wants to know the details of what the Church approves about the Brown Scapular, there is a booklet put out by the Carmelites that gives the history and details sans legends which were added on later.
Wearing of the brown scapular is a good thing. 
Posted by Jen on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 8:05 PM (EDT):
I have often wondered about the Lay Carmalites. We moved to a new parish about a year ago that has over 7000 families and I am having a difficult time finding ‘more conservative, orthodox Catholics.’ I joined the fellowship for moms and attended ministry of mothers sharing and quickly found out I am one of a very few who use nfp and even attend mass on a regular bases. These groups tend to focus more on the ‘challenges’ of motherhood instead of celebrating the gift of it. Anyway - I read that our parish has a Lay Carmalites group and I was thinking about looking into it a little more hoping to find more like minded catholics - maybe we could have a post of that or if anyone is a member- please share more details on this!
Thanks!
Posted by Danielle M. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:42 AM (EDT):
Well, after reading Danielle’s original post I thought of my own Scapular, hanging on the mirror of my dresser and tried to remember why I stopped wearing it. I was determined to go upstairs, retireve it and put it on right away. After reading the comments, I now think I need to do some research. I don’t want to wear it as an act of disrespect. I am sorry to say that my faith formation was not what it should have been, as a child of the 70’s, we just weren’t taught that much. My own children are learning so much more about the Faith in their religion classes and I try to keep up and do my own studying as well. I look forward to additional comments on the topic, as I always learn so much from all of the wonderful faith filled people who comment on this blog.
Posted by Mary Therese on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:48 PM (EDT):
Thanks for this. I’ve worn a scapular for years, but most recently have broken 3 in three weeks. I was wondering about replacing it with a metal one. I see from the “fisheaters” link that it IS permissable to wear a blessed, metal scapular, provided it has the correct images and is worn appropriately.
Posted by Andrea on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 8:00 PM (EDT):
I thought it was only permissable to wear the medal if it was not possible to wear the cloth scapular, ie if you are swimming, or maybe in a tropical climate where it ends up saturated with sweat, or if you are alergic to wool. Wearing the cloth scapular is the norm, wearing the medal should be the exception.
Posted by Maureen Griffin on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:09 PM (EDT):
I’m also a child of a liberal diocese growing up in the 70’s. We always had Sacred Heart pictures. crucifixes and a Madonna and CHild statue in our home but I didn’t really know about scapulars. When I first learned of them it seemed rather superstious—simply wearing something would be like a bullet-proof jacket for your soul? Thanks for this post. It helps me to understand the practice some and what it really means.
Posted by MM on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:37 PM (EDT):
I started wearing the brown scapular as a child when my mother gave it to me but for years I didn’t understand it. All my mother said at the time was something about it protecting me which I interpreted to mean it was physically bullet-proof. I remember I tested it by poking a pin through it and thinking it was a scam because how could it stop a bullet if it couldn’t stop a pin. Nevertheless, I figured I better wear it just in case and later was able to learn the real meaning.
I don’t like the cloth ones since you have to keep washing them and then they disintegrate. I started getting the plastic covered ones on a chain but the plastic is kind of prickly on the corners. I’m still looking for the type my brother once had years ago which was a wool scapular encased in stainless steel on both ends connected by a chain.
Thank you Danielle Bean and Amy,MEV for the links and clarification. I think unfortunately there tends to be some confusion on the devotion to our Lady through the wearing of the scapular, who is allowed to wear it and the “rules” involved.
We are a brown scapular wearing family and have been from the beginning. Both my husband and myself have worn it since our Confirmations and our children get enrolled at their First Communions. I believe this used to be the tradition of the Church before Second Vatican Council, someone correct me if I’m wrong. Thank you Danielle for highlighting this beautiful and meaningful sacramental of our Lady.
Posted by Samantha on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 3:02 PM (EDT):
My husband and I both enrolled into the brown scapular right after my oldest was born. The funny thing is that the only thing that would calm her during mass was the scapular. Now, at 5 yrs old, she still uses one of my old one’s as a security blankie. (Made for some interesting conversations, especially non-catholics) She has been told of the history and as soon as she has her first reconcilliation/eucharist/confirmation in 2 yrs she wants to be enrolled as well.
Posted by MH on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 3:57 PM (EDT):
I’m wondering if anyone else has this problem and can offer some encouragement or advice. I found out about the brown scapular in college and wore it faithfully, along with a dedicated group of Mary loving classmates. It irritated my skin then, but I didn’t mind because I was so full of zeal. (I actually have very sensitive skin and the scapular causes a rash and acne…even if I clean it regularly). I have worn it off and on for ten years since then, hoping that each time I try it again, my skin won’t react. I honestly don’t feel complete without it, but I’m not sure what to do. Does anyone have a similar experience or a suggestion? I read one of the posts mention something about a metal equivalent? (As a cute side note, my husband wears one too. When I first met him and realized that he wore a scapular, I was so attracted to that! I think it’s so masculine to admit your dependence on Our Lady! He, he.) Thank you in advance for any tips.
Posted by Michele Simpson on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:08 PM (EDT):
I love this post. I started wearing my scapular after reading a book “Apostalate of Holy Motherhood” (I think that is the right title) I could not keep up with everything the book suggested but started wearing my scapular again and understood its importance. I encourage my children to wear scapulars also. Recently my husband has started wearing his scapular I bought him.
On a side note when I started wearing mine a friend of mine whom wore one said something I think is a benefit of wearing a scapular (besides the obvious religious reasons). She said it keeps you dressing modestly. I have found that it is true.
Hope that does not offend anyone.
Posted by Margaret on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 5:01 PM (EDT):
I got a chuckle out of the comment that wearing a scapular keeps you dressing modestly. It is true! It also reminded me of a time in childhood when some relatives took our family to a “fancy” restaurant, where the waitresses were wearing low-cut uniforms. I was intrigued by ladies showing so much skin, and I asked, “Where do they put their scapulars?” It still makes me smile to remember that!
How do you wear a scapular? I feel horrible, but I have one and never knew what it was. You wear it under your clothing? Can you wear it with t-shirts? Sorry for asking so many questions I tried to look it up but everything was saying why you should wear it not how to put it on. Thanks.
Posted by Danielle Bean on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 10:41 PM (EDT):
Not silly questions at all ladies!
Most people wear the scapular under their clothes, with one wool piece hanging down the back and the other in front. Mine usually works its way up in the back so it’s right at my neckline and sometimes peeks out a bit. I usually “re-adjust” it, but it’s not a big deal.
It sometimes does present an opportunity to witness when someone asks about it. Some fellow scapular-wearers I know have been known to say, “Ahem, your ‘piety’ is showing!”
Posted by Abra on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:07 PM (EDT):
Gail I am so glad I’m not alone. Danielle thanks so much. I have another question… how does one become enrolled? What does it mean to be enrolled? Thanks again.
Posted by Ann Seeton on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 6:10 PM (EDT):
http://www.icspublications.org/bookstore/others/b_others13.html
Will take you to the ICS where you can get the booklet on the Brown Scapular.
The brown scapular is an interesting sacramental because it has this link to the Carmelite order and yet hardly anyone who wears one is aware of the connection.
I am glad to see so many wear a Brown Scapular. Very glad.
Posted by Kris on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 5:05 PM (EDT):
So happy to read about this as I have been deliberating wearing one but get confused about them. Once enrolled, I was under the understanding that there were a set of specific prayers that one must say everyday as part of the devotion. Is this correct? Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about this sacramental!
Posted by Mum26 on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 9:26 PM (EDT):
Some of us are wearing the Brown Scapular also. My two younger sons (7 and 6) and hopefully my husband will be enrolled end of May.
I explain to my boys that because we are in a war, this scapular will be like a shield, and the rosary our weapon - Fr. Corapi claims that “Our Mama wears combat boots”. My boys really take to it. Even the baby as he always pulls it out, so that “my piety really shows.”
Posted by Anne at Catholic Mommy Brain on Sunday, May 17, 2009 6:42 PM (EDT):
I just love this and will post a link to it on my blog. Thank you!!
What a wonderful article! I wear the Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception—I was invested a couple of weeks after my RCIA Confirmation this year. I love that I always have a reminder of my Mother’s blessing with me. I also have a 4 way and a St Benedict medal on it. I have trouble keeping tucked away into my shirt line all day, but I am not ashamed of it…it even gives me an opportunity to talk to my non-Catholic friends about my beliefs.
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