Everything You Need to Know About Scapulars
“Whoever dies wearing this garment will be spared from the eternal flames.” The Most Holy Virgin Mary to Saint Simon Stock, apparition of July 16, 1251.
The scapular is a sacramental; it is a smaller version of the religious habit. It was granted by the Blessed Virgin first to the members of the Carmelite Order and then to all laypeople. Those who wear it become servants of the Virgin Mary and receive divine graces and assistance to renounce sin and follow in the footsteps of Christ. In return, the Virgin promised that those who die wearing this garment will go to Heaven.
What is a scapular?
Originally, the scapular referred to the garment worn by monks over their habits (tunics). It is a piece of fabric consisting of two large panels—one for the front and one for the back—and is open at the neck so it can be slipped over the head. It was a work garment, used in a sense like an apron to protect one’s clothing. For the Carmelites, it is also an outward sign of devotion to Mary. Gradually, the scapular was also made available to laypeople, and its form was adapted accordingly; it is now a small square measuring a few centimeters. All that remains of the monks’ original scapular is the material from which it is made—fabric—and the way it is worn: around the neck, with one part at the back and another on the chest. The two squares of fabric are now connected by a cord; on one side is the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and on the other, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
History and Tradition of the Scapular
In 1251, the Carmelite Order was undergoing persecution, and the Prior General of the Order, Saint Simon Stock, sought the help of the Blessed Virgin. She appeared to him on the night of July 15–16, holding a scapular in her hands—a sign of her affection for him and for his entire Order for centuries to come. The Virgin assured him that all who died while wearing the scapular would never suffer the torments of hell, since it was a sign of salvation, protection, and support. Fifty years later, the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope John XXII; reminding him of the promises made to Saint Simon Stock and adding the promise of deliverance from Purgatory on the Saturday following death—not only for the Carmelites, but also for all the faithful wearing the scapular who wished to join the Confraternity of the Order of Carmel.
What is the purpose of a scapular?
The scapular serves to obtain eternal reward by going to Heaven, in that it manifests the wearer’s desire to live a holy life. That is to say, the person strives to live out, in a concrete way, their consecration to the Virgin and the Lord’s commandments. It is not a “pass” to Heaven, for the person must still conform to the demands of the Christian life while wearing it. However, as the Blessed Virgin has promised, by wearing the scapular, she provides help, support, and special graces to assist the wearer in remaining faithful to her and advancing on the path to holiness until death.
How should one wear a scapular?
To wear a scapular for the first time, it must be imposed by a priest or deacon, using one of the prescribed formulas for the blessing and imposition of the scapular. When the scapular wears out, simply replace it with a new one without needing to consult a priest, as the blessing and imposition remain valid for the recipient for their entire life. If one stops wearing it for a time, one ceases to benefit from its effects, but one may always resume wearing it without requiring a new imposition.
In the event of a major inconvenience in wearing the scapular, Pope Saint Pius X granted the permission to replace it with a Scapular medal (the medal cannot be imposed; it is essential to first receive a cloth scapular). It should be noted, however, that the Church prefers the cloth scapular, as it more accurately represents the garment given by the Blessed Virgin to Saint Simon Stock. The concession regarding the medal is merely a dispensation.
The Different Scapulars
The brown scapular, the Scapular of Mount Carmel
The Scapular of Mount Carmel must be made of brown wool. It almost always bears the image of the Sacred Heart on one side and the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the other. On October 13, 1917, the Blessed Virgin appeared to the children of Fatima wearing the Scapular of Mount Carmel. Lucia, the eldest of the three visionaries, later explained: “The Blessed Virgin wanted everyone to wear the scapular, which is the sign of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Rosary and the Scapular are inseparable.”
Saint John Paul II wore the scapular his entire life; he said:“I received the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at the age of ten, and I still wear it.”
The Green Scapular
The green scapular was given by the Blessed Virgin to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, a Daughter of Charity, during an apparition. It consists of a single square of green cloth depicting, on one side, the Virgin as she appeared to Sister Justine, and on the other side, a Heart pierced by a sword, surmounted by a cross, from which abundant flames emerge. It is dedicated to the conversion of souls and is accompanied by a prayer to be recited daily with faith and trust in God’s infinite mercy: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death” (this inscription was part of Sister Justine’s vision). This scapular is particularly recommended for the sick and the dying. It works wonders of conversion, brings great graces, and sometimes even physical healings. The green scapular does not require a ritual of imposition; it simply needs to be blessed by a priest. It can bring about the conversion of a loved one even if that person refuses to wear it, by being placed without their knowledge—under their mattress, for example.
The Scapular of Saint Michael the Archangel
The Scapular of Saint Michael the Archangel originated with the Archconfraternity of the Scapular of Saint Michael in Rome; the imposition of this scapular was approved in 1883. The scapular consists of two pieces of wool in the shape of shields, one black and the other midnight blue; they bear the image of the Archangel Michael as traditionally depicted. Above the image is the inscription proclaimed by the archangel during his victory over Lucifer: “Quis ut Deus,” which means “Who is like God?” Today, the brotherhood in Rome no longer exists; only the one at Mont Saint-Michel remains. Anyone wishing to strengthen their consecration to Saint Michael the Archangel may wear the scapular. Any priest may confer the scapular using the prescribed formula.
With Hozana, live out your consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
- 2025 was the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart! !
- Pray the with the Carmelite saints. This novena is a wonderful way to live out your consecration to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and it can be an opportunity to begin wearing the scapular!
- !
