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The Brown Scapular
Tradition says that in 1251 Mary appeared to the leader of the Carmelites, Saint Simon Stock, in Cambridge England. She gave him the scapular with the promise that anyone wearing the scapular when they died, would be saved. Popes through out the years have encouraged wearing the scapular. Benedict XVI said that the scapular is a "particular sign of union with Jesus and Mary." Saint John Paul II said, "Even I, from my youngest days, have worn around my neck the scapular of Our Lady." When going into surgery he said, "Please don't remove my scapular". Large pieces of cloth form the scapulars worn by monks. They hang in front and back and are connected at the shoulders by strips of material. The scapular is part of their habit. The habit is a uniform. The brown scapular we wear is a miniature version of the scapulars worn by the Carmelites. When you wear a uniform it changes your attitude. The wearer of a scapular is declaring that they are devoted to Mary. The scapular has an effect on the person wearing it that assures their salvation. The Green Scapular On January 28, 1840, in Paris, the Blessed Mother appeared to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, a novice of the Daughters of Charity. After becoming a full member of the Daughters of Charity, Sister Justine received another apparition from Our Lady. In one hand Mary held the Green Scapular. In her other hand she held her heart surrounded by flames. On one side of the scapular is a picture of Mary. On the other is Mary's heart, pierced with a sword, surrounded by the inscription, "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death."Sister Justine understood that this new scapular would bring people who had no faith to Jesus. And would reconcile those who had strayed from their faith. The Green Scapular can be worn around your neck or on clothing or placed in the room of the person being prayed for. The person wearing the scapular or the person giving it should repeat the prayer every day. A short prayer every day will have a powerful effect on us and the person we pray for. Just as Saint Monica brought about the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine, through prayer, we also can convert people through prayer. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. |