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1. What is a scapular?
At its origin, the scapular was a part of the monastic habit worn by monks over their tunic. It consists of a band of cloth forming two panels, one on the chest and the other on the back, passed over the head.
Among the Carmelites, it became the sign of their consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary and of their belonging to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Over time, this devotion spread to the lay faithful.
The scapular then took the form of two small squares of cloth connected by a cord and worn around the neck. It thus preserves the essential elements of the monastic scapular: the cloth and the way it is worn, one on the chest and the other on the back.
Traditionally, one bears the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the other that of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
2. What a scapular is not
A scapular is not a charm, an amulet, a fetish, a lucky charm, or a talisman.
Wearing a scapular daily is a true commitment to a spiritual life,
in which one must personally strive for one’s salvation
and work each day to conform one’s life and actions to one’s faith.
The scapular is a sign of covenant and communion.
4. How does one receive the scapular?
The scapular is not like a medal that one simply chooses to wear. The first scapular must be imposed by a minister, priest or deacon, using one of the formulas of blessing and imposition of the scapular contained
in the Roman Ritual.
It is also good to prepare oneself for this step so as to live it as a true commitment to the spiritual life. You may approach a diocesan priest who understands the meaning of this commitment.
3. What is a scapular for?
The scapular is a sign of salvation in that it expresses the desire of the one who wears it to live a holy life and to remain faithful to Christ. Those who receive it strive to live out concretely their consecration to the Virgin Mary and to observe the commandments of the Lord.
It is not a pass to Heaven: wearing the scapular must be accompanied by a true Christian life.
However, according to the promise of the Blessed Virgin, those who wear it with faith receive her help, her support, and particular graces to remain faithful and to advance on the path of holiness until the hour of their death.
5. Should the scapular be worn “day and night”?
This garment given by Mary is worn like… a garment. Everyone is free to wear it either during the day only, or day and night. The same applies when washing or during aquatic sports: clothing, and therefore the scapular as well, can be removed and then put back on afterwards (even though John Paul II had his scapular laminated so that he could shower with it).
Some people hesitate to remove their scapular for swimming, sleeping, or doing sports because they fear they will no longer be protected if they are not wearing it around their neck. Be careful: the scapular is not a lucky charm. Wearing a scapular must never become a superstition.
6. How should you care for your scapular?
Our scapulars are entirely handmade using delicate materials (wool, embroidery, printed fabric).
They should therefore be handled with care and respect, like a precious garment.
It is strongly recommended not to wash or soak them: water and liquids can damage the wool, the images, and the embroidery. It is also best to avoid wearing them in the shower, in a swimming pool, or in the sea.
To preserve them, it is preferable to remove the scapular when sleeping, during physical activities, or when using cosmetic products. Gentle dusting with a soft cloth is sufficient for maintenance.
Finally, remember that the scapular is a sign of devotion and not a lucky charm: removing it temporarily does not diminish the spiritual protection it represents.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WHEN A SCAPULAR IS WORN OUT?
When a scapular becomes dirty or worn out,
simply replace it with a new one without a new blessing, since the blessing and imposition are attached to the person for life.
Receiving the scapular means accepting the presence of Mary within oneself; therefore, she is already there.
The worn scapular should be burned or buried while wrapped, so that it may not risk being profaned.