The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception

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The blue scapular of the Immaculate Conception (better known simply as the blue scapular) is a devotional scapular that traces its roots to the venerable Ursula Benincasa, who founded the Roman Catholic religious order of the Theestine Sisters. This scapular must have a blue wool fabric and bears on one side a symbol of the mystery of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady and on the other the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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According to legend, in 1617, in Naples, Benicasa experienced a vision in which Jesus promised great favors for his religious order. She then begged Jesus to grant the same graces to those people who, living in the world, would have a particular devotion to the Immaculate Conception, observe chastity according to their rank in life, and wear a small blue scapular. She stated that Jesus granted her request and she began to make small blue scapulars. One part bears the image of the Immaculate Conception, the other bears the name of the Virgin Mary. She blessed them and began to distribute them. In January 1671, Pope Clement X approved the blessing and investment of this scapular.

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