What makes a scapular a scapular

But why are we so devoted to this small cloth necklace? The word scapular is from the Latin scapula, meaning shoulder blade. It is a garment first designed by monks during the Middle Ages as protective covering to be worn over their clothing when they did manual labor, such as in the fields or outside.

As scapular popularity grew among religious communities, laypeople also wanted to wear such garments as they sought to imitate the pious, holy ways of the monks. Among the laity, the overall, lengthy scapular later gave way to a much smaller version such as we wear today. Made up of narrow necklace-shaped cloth, about 24 inches in length, it normally has small blocks of engraved wool material just larger than a postage stamp at each end and is meant to slip over the head and hang equally down your back and front.

While the Church has approved 18 different scapulars for wear, the most popular is the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order, more formally known as the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The brown scapular signals the Carmelites spiritual devotion to the Virgin Mother.

The history of the brown scapular dates back to the 13th century, but Carmelite history goes back to the Old Testament, some nine centuries before Christ. Near the city of Haifa in Palestine is the mountain range known as Carmel, and part of that range is Mount Carmel, where the prophets Elijah and Elisha were known to visit. A place of pilgrimage, contemplation and prayer, Mount Carmel has long been regarded as holy ground. It is a Sacramental! Sacramentals are sacred signs that prepare us to receive grace and help us to be in a disposition to cooperate with that grace CCC Wearing a scapular can actually help prepare you to receive grace and therefore help you grow in holiness!

Mary Our Mother gives us, her children, the gift of the scapular as both a sign and a tool for us to help us grow closer to her Son, which is always her desire. Newest Resource Video November Intro. View All Blogs. Culture 50 Fun and Free Ideas for Fall. Retreat at Camp Covecrest Covecrest is more than a retreat center and summer camp. Retreat at Camp Hidden Lake Hidden Lake is home to an incredible Catholic community, gorgeous views, welcoming meeting spaces and so much more.

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Thanks again! God bless you, Sisters. As always, a smooth easy means of purchase, coupled with prompt shipping. The Items I have purchased over the years are always of superb quality and workmanship. I could not be more pleased.

Furthermore, my order was shipped one business day after I placed my order. We are all called by God to serve within the confines of His graces to us. The Sisters of Carmel are models of that calling. The Blessed Sacrament and Seven Dolors chaplets are beautiful and will be treasured by me for many years.

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I was so impressed I ordered two more rosaries as gifts. God bless the Sisters of Carmel and God bless your ministry! Catholicism Expert. Richert is senior content network manager of Our Sunday Visitor. Updated January 30, Cite this Article Format.

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