What Is the True Meaning of the Scapular?

Understand why we should use the scapular and its meaning for the Church

Many people use the scapular for fad or simply because others use it, but what is the true meaning of it?

Many people use the scapular or other objects of devotion without knowing its true meaning, even worse when using it as an amulet, something magical, “lucky”, which frees one from “evil eye” or something similar.

^{Photo: Daniel Mafra/cancaonova.com}

As if the true sense didn’t come from the heart of one who wears such object, which, knowing their true meaning, uses it to flag something that is in your heart, in your faith, in his purposes and his conversion. Many use crosses, small medals, rosaries and various scapulars of our Lady of Mount Carmel as a fad, because everyone else is using or that artist used in the novel.

But what is the real meaning of the scapular.

The scapular or bentinho do Carmo is an outward sign of Marian devotion, which consists in consecration to Blessed Virgin Mary, through the inscription in the Carmelite Order, in the hope of your motherly protection. The scapular of Mount Carmel is a sacramental. In the words of Vatican II, “a sacred sign, according to the model of the sacraments, through which means above all spiritual effects, obtained through the intercession of the Church”. (60 SC)

“The devotion of the scapular of Mount Carmel did descend on copious rain of grace world spiritual and temporal”. (Pius XII, 8/6/50).

The devotion to the scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel began with the vision of St. Simon Stock. According to tradition, the order of Mount Carmel was going through a rough patch between 1230-1250. Newly arrival to Europe as Nomad, expelled by the Muslims of Mount Carmel, the order was going through a critical period. The Carmelite friars met strong resistance from other religious orders for its insertion. They were harassed and even lampooned for their way of dressing. The future of the Carmelites was directed by Simon Stock, man of faith and great devotee of our Lady.

The scapular was an apron used by monks during the work to keep the robe from dirt. Placed over the shoulder blades (shoulders), the scapular is a piece of the habit that even today all carmelites use. Over time, a reduced scapular was given to the lay faithful. In this way, those who wore it could participate in the spirituality of Carmel the great graces connected to it; among other privileges. In his Papal Bull called Sabbath, Pope John XXII States that those who wear the scapular are soon freed the pains of purgatory on Saturday following their death. The advantages of sabatino privilege were still given by the Sacred Congregation of indulgences, on 14 July 1908.

The scapular is made from two fabric squares together by Brown cords, having on one side the image of Our Lady of Mt Caremen, and the Heart of Jesus, or the coat of arms of the order of Carmel. It is a miniature of the Carmelite habit, so it’s a form of clothing. Whoever wears the scapular becomes part of the Carmelite Family and devotes himself to our Lady. Thus, the scapular is a visible sign of our alliance with Mary.

Commitments to those using the scapular

It is important to highlight some attitudes that must be assumed by who is this sign mariano:

• Put God first in your life and always seek to accomplish his will.
• Listen to the word of God in the Bible and practice it in your life.
• Seek communion with God through prayer, which is an intimate dialogue that we have with the one who loves us.
• Be Open to suffering of the neighbor, commiserating with him in his needs, seeking to solutions to them.
• Participate with frequency the sacraments of the Church, the Eucharist and confession, in order to deepen the mystery of Christ in your life.

I was vested with the scapular, on 16 July 1996, when I was in the novitiate of the Canção Nova. That day, I consecrated my affectivity and sexuality in the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to be able to always put forte the effort and openness of my heart to be worthy to receive the graces of this Holy devotion.

Reference: Carmelite Province