Jul 16 Wed
Should I wear the scapular?
Today, the Church wants to instill in us the assurance and joy of knowing that we are under the protection of a good and beautiful Mother who is full of grace and whose heart contains unbounded tenderness for her children.
Throughout history, Christians have found many ways of rendering devoted homage to the Queen of Heaven. Our Lady herself has sometimes guided the filial piety of her children by signaling out certain practices to which she has attached her motherly promises. Such is the case of the scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel.
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, and various popes have granted numerous spiritual privileges to those who wear the scapular.
We should be aware of the meaning of the holy scapular of Carmen and use it devoutly. In the ceremony of investiture, the priest prays that it be received imploring the most holy Virgin that through her merits you may wear it without sin, and that she may defend you from all danger and lead you to eternal life.
The Scapular is a reminder of two key truths:
(a) Constant protection of the Blessed Virgin, not only during one's earthly journey but also at the moment of passing into eternal glory.
(b) Our commitment to live a permanent Christian conduct: Devotion to Mary, symbolized by the Scapular, should not be limited to occasional prayers but should become a "habit," a permanent orientation of one's Christian life. This includes a life woven of prayer and interior life, frequent reception of the sacraments, and the practice of spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
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 holy Mary truly consoles and guides us. We find our faith, hope, and charity 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. In keeping with our nature, which is both spiritual and material, we need signs perceptible to the senses to signify something spiritual in our soul.
The Blessed Virgin Mary promised to those who wear her scapular that, in the next life, she will comfort by her motherly protection those who have worn the scapular and are expiating their sins in the fires of purgatory, and bring them promptly to their heavenly home.
One day, the time will come for us to depart for the next life. At that moment, we will be in greater need than ever of our Mother to receive the trophy and crown of eternal life. Since we have lovingly invoked her so many thousands of times, and since we have piously worn her scapular, our Lady will be our sure hope in those moments.