The Brown Scapular (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel)

The Brown Scapular
by Rt. Rev. Charles A. Klauder.
Copyright 1991 Marians of the Immaculate Conception.

Almost everyone knows of our Blessed Mother's apparition at Fatima in 1917, and almost every Catholic knows some of the requests she made for all of us to put into practice in our daily lives. Now, the sad part is that most Catholics have not put into practice these important requests:

2. Wearing of the Brown Scapular, the Sign of Consecration to Mary's Immaculate Heart.

3. Holy Communions of Reparation on the First Saturdays, meditating for at least fifteen minutes on the mysteries of the rosary. (The time might well be spent before the Blessed Sacrament as part of the reparation Our Lady requested.)

It is really a shame, this terrible neglect on the part of so many Catholics. What a great and sad disappointment this must be to Our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God and our own mother.

Let us take, for a short consideration, the wearing of the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - such a simple request made by the Holy Mother of God for us to wear a tiny piece of brown cloth as an act and proof of devotion to her - and yet the request is not heeded and put into use by very many. If one is not willing to carry a small piece of cloth, how can it be expected that greater things will be done? Therefore, start with wearing the Scapular and Mary will see to it that you begin to do the other things requested by her.

The Saintly Pius X, when giving the privilege of wearing the Scapular Medal, plainly stated, "We would prefer that all would wear the cloth scapular, such as those in the service of their country, those in boiler rooms or similar industries and natives in tropical countries. In spite of St. Pius' request, almost everyone laid aside the cloth Scapular and carried the Medal.

Benedict XV, the Saint's successor, on July 8, 1916, placed an indulgence on the cloth Scapular when it is kissed with devotion, and he plainly stated this indulgence does not apply to the Medal.

About one year later at Fatima in 1917, our Blessed Lady appeared to Lucy and the other two children, Francesco and Jacinta. She was clothed in the Brown Garb of Carmel. Holding in her hand the Brown Scapular, she reminded us all to wear it and enjoy her extraordinary Promise:

Very few wear the Scapular. You may prove it to yourself by asking ten people this question, "Do you wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel?" and you will be surprised to find perhaps none will answer yes!

What a deplorable shame that our Blessed Mother's request is so totally ignored by so many and the treasure of the indulgence is lost; the promise of eternal life is not appreciated.

Although we all know that the whole world is in an unsettled condition, including our beloved America, yet Mary's requests are fulfilled by only a few. Why do we always wait until something terrible happens before we hurry to Mary? Why?

Now perhaps the most important point in the whole message of Fatima is precisely this making us aware of the seriousness of life and the urgent need there is for solid thinking and praying. "The whole land," wrote the prophet Jeremiah of Old, "is made desolate, but no man lays it to heart" (Jer 12:11). The same is true today; the whole world has come to such a sorry pass and lives in dread of a third world upheaval because there are so few that really "think in their hearts!" It was the keensighted Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII who assured us of this.

A large number of Scapular orders come from children asking for one or two Scapulars.

Where are the adults who could assist by helping to distribute many more Scapulars?

The Scapular is Mary's Mantle, thrown over our shoulders with a promise of eternal salvation and an indulgence for all who kiss it with devotion. After the Rosary, the Scapular is the most highly indulgenced sacramental in the Church.

1. One must be enrolled only once. This is usually done at First Holy Communion but can be done at any time by the priest. No further blessing is required for a new cloth Scapular.

3. The Scapular must be worn over the shoulders so that the one piece falls in front, the other in the back, although it is not necessary that the cloth be worn next to the skin.

Such a simple thing to do - such a wonderful reward - the wearing of a tiny piece of cloth. The Blessed Mother's Promise of Eternal Salvation!

Mat 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, [his] mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Mat 12:47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. Mat 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? Mat 12:49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

I think that Jesus loved his mom. But like all of us she needed Him as her savior. She was after all a human creation of God as are all fallen men

To put that in perspective

Mat 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, [his] mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Mat 12:47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

Mat 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

Mat 12:49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Can you understand that to protestants this sounds like Mary is the door not Christ.

Yes. But you guys jettisoned Marian theology, so you can't claim now that she's anything but just Christ's Mother.

For me, she's an intercessor with Christ. "Son, behold your Mother. Mother, behold your Son."

Anyway, Marian devotion is not forced on any Catholic, and they can take it or leave it.

I leave most of it, but take this one.

***The wise men found Him with Mary his Mother.***

YES

***She is to be honored as He honored her.***

YES

But Marian aparitions and instructions to wear a piece of brown cloth to escape eternal fire is honoring non-biblical tradition that conveys false theology.

Adding a papal indulgence for kissing the cloth compounds the error.

If the Roman Catholic believes this aparition, pronouncement and indulgence are entirely valid, why do so few RCs comply with their Mother? Catholic practice would argue against their believing this aparition, promise to be true. It also indicates their scepticism at the papal indulgence attached to kissing the cloth.

I will fully honor the Mary of Holy Scripture for her piety, character and ministry on earth. Her heavenly activities are IMO entirely speculative. Many of the Marian traditions IMO diminish the work of her Son and therefore dishonor Him and her.

I do appreciate your taking the time to interact with me. Thanks.

Yes. But you guys jettisoned Marian theology, so you can't claim now that she's anything but just Christ's Mother.

Well I do not think that is a small thing to be the mother of Christ.That is more than any woman could desire .

For me, she's an intercessor with Christ. "Son, behold your Mother. Mother, behold your Son."

Sink that scripture says nothing about intercession , but i do know that is a large part of the Catholic theology. It is one that of course that Protestants do not share

Anyway, Marian devotion is not forced on any Catholic, and they can take it or leave it.

I also know that to be true. The problem with the scapula theology to me is it make Mary , not Jesus the Savior .

Do you agree with the belief that it is mary that dispenses grace?

I don't see it that way. Christ IS God, so Mary intercedes to God the father, son, and Holy Spirit.

I understand the Catholic teachings on the intercession Sandy. It is just the brown scapula takes it too a new level . It says that the cloth and devotion to Mary replace Jesus as the judge of your soul. It makes repentance and believing in Christ unnecessary .

It makes Mary your benefactor and Judge and the blood of Christ of no effect

I have to say I was a bit surprised by the article. I was "enrolled" in the brown scapula at my first communion, with the promise that never taking it off guaranteed me heaven. I thought that the church had moved beyond that . I am sad it has not

***Steve, I know that devotion to Mary is hard for Protestants to connect with. But as a Catholic, it is part and parcel of our Catholic tradition, and I am totally at ease with it***

Exactly, it is a Bible vs tradition issue at it's essence.

***As I said before, private devotions, revelations, and apparations are not required beliefs.***

Here I struggle. I understand the notion of "private devotion" (eg praying the rosary). But the statement/promise I quoted AND the linking of an indulgence with kissing the scapula go beyond private devotion.

If Mary did make that promise, why don't all Catholics follow her wishes? If she did not, or it is uncertain... upon waht basis is a pope declaring an indulgence for kissing the scapular.

It is the content -- a promise to protect from eternal flames which makes this unlike saying the rosary.

If you believe Mary said this why wouldn't you wear the scapula?

***It tells me of someone with a deep commitment to their faith and a devotion to our Blessed Mother.***

Yes, but it is more than that according to the lead article of the thread.

I am not picking on you or RCs. I am truly baffled even when trying to see this from the RC prospective.

And for me I have the finished work on the cross of a Savior who is the author and perfector of my faith. He ever lives to intercede for me.

Jude 24 -- Now unto HIM (caps mine, HIM not HER) that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Kind of a hit and run as I am busy doing all the zillions of things you do on a Saturday with the kids home and my husband around...

The following captures the essence of the Blessed Virgin, for me, anyway!

The Wedding at Cana
It is the opinion of many Catholic theologians that Jesus Christ raised the legal contract of marriage to the diginity of a sacrament at the Wedding at Cana. John 2:1 shows that the Blessed Virgin Mary, "the Mother of Jesus" was present. Since Joseph is not mentioned here, or at any other succeeding time in the Gospel, Most theologians agree that the Blessed Virgin Mary was probably a widow at the Wedding.
From Luke 2:32 we know that the Blessed Virgin Mary knew of the Divine Power of her Son Jesus Christ. Being with him, she knew it was time for him to make himself known to the world. She played her part in the simple, humble observation, "They have no wine." (John 2:2) Most of the early Fathers agree that she was motivated by charity and compassion for the newlywed couple.

You guys are both always very kind and gracious! I fall short - just did last week and I can point you to the post, seriously. And making matters worse, the person I was somewhat uncharitable to answered me charitably and with a sense of humor!

I pray to Jesus Christ directly all the time and in fact, most of the time. But I am mindful that as a Catholic, I believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary is my mother in heaven. Not the same, or even on par with our Saviour or our Father, but our mother, nevertheless.

"Behold, your mother!"

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