Drawing closer to Jesus and Mary through the Brown Scapular by Fr. Joseph Evinger
Those of you who attended the 10:30 Mass in Killdeer this last Sunday saw that I invested the first communicants in the Brown Scapular. Let me write a bit about where this practice comes from.
Our Blessed Mother Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock of the Carmelite Order in 1251, and gave to him what is known as the Brown Scapular. For those who are new to it, the scapular is a garment that is worn on one’s body with a piece in front and another in back attached together above the neck. Specifically, the Brown Scapular signifies being covered in the grace of God and clothed in the blood of Christ who died for us. It also signifies the protection that Jesus’ mother has for all her children.
When our Lady gave this scapular to St. Simon she told him, “This shall be a privilege for you and all Carmelites, that anyone dying in this habit shall not suffer eternal fire.” Later, the Church extended this privilege to all the faithful who are invested in it and perpetually wear it.
To richly grow in relationship with Christ through this holy object, there are certain conditions which must be fulfilled: 1) Wear the Brown Scapular continuously. 2) Observe chastity according to one’s state in life whether married or single. 3) Recite daily the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin, or observe the fasts of the Church together with abstaining from meat on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or, with permission of a priest, say five decades of Our Lady’s Most Holy Rosary, or with permission of a priest, substitute some other good work.
It is the practice in many parishes across the world that the faithful are enrolled in this scapular. Any priest or deacon is granted the faculty to enroll a person. If you wish to know more about it or be enrolled, let me know. This scapular is a constant reminder of the Lord’s protection over us through the hand of his mother.