Monday, January 1, 2024

Catholicism: The Scapular

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

I had one, and I lost it, or my mother or someone interferred. In any event, It’s been years. I keep looking for one like the one I used to have.

The scapular is basically a necklace, but not. It’s worn with one panel resting over the breast and the other in approximately the same position on the back. That specific positioning offers a hint of what this Catholic “object” is all about.

Scapular (from the Latin for “shoulder blade”) refers to a sacramental object made of two small panels of woven wool (the required material), each roughly two inches by three inches, and connected by a loop of string.



Perhaps the most popular scapular is that of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, or the “Brown Scapular.” Wearing the Brown Scapular expresses devotion to the Mother of God, trust in her intercession, submission to her spiritual maternity, and a desire to emulate her faithfulness. In return, wearers may hope, in faith, to receive the privileges and promises associated with the wearing of the scapular.

As with any sacramental, a scapular does not offer magical protection. But it can be spiritually powerful .

Wearing a blessed scapular indicates, first and foremost, the conscious effort of one who is motivated to live as a true disciple of Christ. In this way, a scapular offers many occasions of grace. It acts as a reminder to pray regularly, to ask the intercession of the Blessed Mother, and to live a faith-filled life. What it cannot offer is an unconditional guarantee of salvation. — Source: Catholic Digest