Aug 2 Fri
Today is Our Lady of the Angels. St. Josemaría taught us to have a “great devotion to holy Mary our Mother under all of her titles, as Christians try to show their affection when they approach the Savior's Mother, who is also our mother."
“Many Christians have the custom of wearing the scapular, or they have acquired the habit of greeting those pictures—a glance is enough—which are found in every Christian home and many public places; or they recall the central events in Christ's life by saying the rosary, never getting tired of repeating its words, just like people in love; or they mark out a day of the week for her..., doing some special little thing for her and thinking particularly about her motherhood." The scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel should be one of our Marian customs.
On July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin appeared to St Simon Stock, the superior general of the Carmelite Order, promising a special blessing for all who wear her scapular. Since then, the Church has solemnly and repeatedly approved this devotion. Instead of the cloth scapular, people may wear a properly blessed scapular medal with the depiction of Jesus with his Sacred Heart, and Mary on the obverse. The Sabbatine privilege consists of the intercession of our Lady to take the soul of the scapular wearer to heaven on the first Saturday after his death.
It is also a sign of three entwined elements: a) belonging to the Church’s ‘family,’ b) consecration to and trust in Mary, and c) an incentive to imitate our Lady’s virtues, especially her humility, chastity, and prayerfulness.
We need our Lady's motherly assistance throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Left to ourselves we run the risk of losing our way. But with her powerful protection, we can walk safely. To look upon our Mother truly consoles and guides us. Our faith, hope and charity are strengthened, along with all the other virtues. Our sights are raised above the bounds of our earthly existence, beyond the limits of the present time.
The scapular is a sign, a material token of Mary's protection. Just as trophies and medals are used as souvenirs and signs of friendship or victory, we see in the scapular a loving reminder of the Blessed Virgin.
We must have confidence that our Lady of Mount Carmel will help us at the hour of our death, and pray:
“Mother, may your Scapular bring me your special protection in my daily struggle to be faithful to your divine son and to you. May it separate me from all that is sinful in life and remind me constantly of my duty to imitate your virtues. From now on, I shall strive to live in God's presence, and offer all to Jesus through you."
“Dearest Mother, support me by your never-failing love and lead me to Paradise through the merits of Christ and your intercession."
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