The brown scapula was established on July 16th, 1251, when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, Prior-General of the Carmelite Order, at Aylesford, Kent, England, and outlined the devotion to this graced garment of salvation…

What is the Brown Scapula?

The scapula is essentially a religious habit, or garment. Our lady appeared in it to St. Simon Stock in 1251, holding a smaller scapular in her hand- even as she was wearing a full-size garment. St. Dominic had prophesied about 30 years prior to 1251: “One day, by the rosary and the scapular, she will save the world.

Our Lady appeared again in 1917 at Fatima, Portugal, and promised peace- after the consecraton of Russia to her immaculate heart. When Fatima visionary Sr. Lucia was asked in 1950 why our lady held the scapular in her hands in the final vision of Fatima, Sr. Lucia answered: “because she wants everyone to wear the scapular.

THE TWO PROMISES OF OUR LADY REGARDING THE BROWN SCAPULAR:

THE FIRST PROMISE- AVOIDANCE OF HELL

Our Lady revealed to St. Simon Stock in the vision :..whosoever dies piously wearing this scapula, shall not suffer eternal flames.” Hence the first promise: preservation from hell for those who wear the scapular until death- with faith.

SECOND PROMISE – ‘SABBATINE’ PRIVILEGE

The second great privilege attached to the scapular, the so-called ‘Sabbatine'(from the latin word ‘Sabbatum’, or ‘Saturday’) has been decreed by numerous modern popes and by the congregation of Indulgences. The second promise is understood to mean that people who manifest a special devotion to Mary, the Mother of Christ, be wearing the Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel, may reasonably hope for her special protection, and a particular share in her merits both in this life and the next- above all on Saturdays. Some authorities have opined that this privilege may in include an early release from Purgatory(on a Saturday, the day of the week traditionally devoted to Mary) for those who had devoutly worn the scapula throughout their life, and had observed the following conditions:

  1. Wear the scapular daily, faithfully.
  2. Observe chastity according to your state in life.
  3. Recite daily the Little Office of Our Lady.

The scapular is not a lucky charm- it is not ‘magic’: we should not presume that just because we wear the scapular that we will be saved. It is a sign of consecration of Mary, and must be worn with sincere and devout faith. Authorities have noted tat a habitual sinner will not persevere in wearing the scapular.

Servants of Mary, Help of Christians – servantsofmary.wix.com/servants-of-mary