The Brown Scapular - a message from Our Lady

"...from now on will all ages will call me blessed." - Luke 1:48

The Brown Scapular - a simple request from Our Lady

At Fatima in 1917, Our Blessed Mother requested the wearing of the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel along with 4 other requests of the faithful, (see Requests). This seems such a small request-for us to wear a tiny piece of brown cloth as an act & proof of devotion to her. If one is not willing to carry a small piece of cloth, how can it be expected that greater things will be done? When the Blessed Virgin appeared to the children at Fatima she was holding in her hand the brown Scapular, she reminded us all to wear it and enjoy her Promise:

"Whosoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire."

Despite this, very few wear the Scapular. While there has been an increase in the number of people heeding Our Lady's request, it is the still a very small majority of Catholics that say "yes" to her. Next to the Rosary, the Scapular is the most highly indulgenced sacramental in the Church.

Only 3 things are necessary to to participate in this God given devotion:

A person 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.
The Scapular must be worn with devotion.
The Scapular must be worn over the shoulders so that 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 small thing to do - such a wonderful reward - the wearing of a tiny piece of cloth. The Blessed Mother's Promise of Eternal Salvation!

The saintly Pope Pius X, when giving the privilege of wearing the Scapular Medal, plainly stated, "We would prefer that all would wear the brown cloth Scapular." The Medal privilege was intended only for those who could not wear the cloth Scapular, such as those in the service of their country, those in boiler rooms or similar industrial professions and natives of tropical countries. In spite of St. Pius' request, almost everyone laid aside the cloth Scapular and carried the Medal. In 1916, pope Benedict XV placed an indulgence on the cloth scapular when it is kissed with devotion, and he plainly stated this does not apply to the Medal.