Q: What is a scapular?

A: [Our Lady gives scapular]

A scapular is part of a monk's or nun's habit: a strip of fabric protecting back and front of their habit. A hole is inserted in the middle so that it could hang over the shoulders. It got its name precisely from the Latin shoulder, meaning "scapula." It came to symbolize the gentle yoke of Christ. Third Order members (fifteenth century) were required to wear the scapular. Since they were lay people living in the world and did not wear a habit, the scapular was reduced in size, and eventually miniaturized (sixteenth century). It is made up of two small double squares of cloth (sometimes only one) of two-three inches square, suspended from the shoulders by two strings. It is usually the same color as the habit of the congregation the Third Order members (lay people affiliated to religious orders) belong to. The scapular has the image of Our Lady or a symbol or aspect of the particular devotion it recalls. Scapulars are sacramentals giving the wearer God's protection through the intercession--in the name and merits of Christ--of the church and its Saints. Presently there are approximately twenty scapulars, among them eight Marian. Here is the list of the Marian scapulars. Most of them have their origin in a vision.

1) Scapular of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary (white color)

2) Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (white)

3) Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel (white)

4) Scapular of Our Lady of Ransom (white)

5) Scapular of the Immaculate Conception (blue)

6) Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (brown)

7) Scapular of Our Lady of Sorrows (black)

8) The Green Scapular (single square and single string based on the appearances of Our Lady to Sr. Justine Bisquey-buru of the Daughters of Charity.

Please have a look at Your Questions: Devotions where you will find two features: one on the blue the other one on the brown scapular (Mount Carmel).

Image on this page is a woodcut, Our Lady of Carmel, from a pamphlet published in 1758; currently in the holdings of The Marian Library. Artist unknown.

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