The Brown Scapular and Scapular Metal

The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is the habit of the Carmelite Order. For the religious members of the Order, the Scapular is made of two long brown cloth panels joined at the shoulders. One panel is in the front and one in the back. As the devotion spread to the laity, a smaller version of the Brown Scapular came into existence. For the laity the Brown Scapular is also worn with one panel in the front and one in the back. However, with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (holding the Baby Jesus) on the front panel and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the back.

Sometimes one of the panels is of St. Simon Stock receiving the Brown Scapular from the Blessed Mother. It’s worn over the shoulders joined by two strings. The panels are about the size of a postage stamp and can be worn on the inside or outside of your clothing.

Wearing the Brown Scapular

As I mentioned in my previous blogs, the Brown Scapular should never be hidden because of vanity. Because it is a private devotion, the Brown Scapular is usually worn on the inside of your clothing. I wear mine on the outside as the Blessed Mother made it very clear to me She wants mine to be seen. So, if you feel you are being called to wear it on the outside of your clothing don’t be afraid to. It’s a sign of your true devotion to Her and you are witnessing this beautiful devotion while having the opportunity to share it with others

The Scapular Metal

In 1910 Pope Pius X declared that in certain situations the Brown Scapular could be replaced by the Scapular Metal. The Scapular Metal images are the same as the cloth Scapular but is worn on a chain instead of two strings. The reason for this is because in the warmer climate countries the cloth would become ragged and knotted due to the extreme heat. For natives in the tropical countries that wore no outer clothing and did not practice good hygiene, the Brown Scapular became a nesting place for diseases. The successors of Pius X have all stated that without sufficient reason the Brown Scapular (cloth) should be worn instead of the Scapular Metal. There have been numerous miracles attached ONLY to the Brown Scapular (cloth) not the Scapular Metal.

Enjoy the other posts in my blog

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