All About Scapulars
An Educational Topic About A Christian Garment
Scapulars have been on my mind a lot lately. Well, if you don’t know what a scapular is? I’ll be glad to answer what a Scapular is, from sharing the definition to explaining the different kinds of scapulars that we, Catholics, wear around our necks. Anyways, let’s talk about its definition. A scapular is a garment that’s worn around the neck of the wearer. Although wearing a scapular means you are silently praying, there are actually two types of scapulars, both are the monastic and devotional scapulars. Despite the fact that both are referred simply as “scapulars”. I’ll first start off by explaining the Monastic and Devotional scapulars by definition.
What Are The Two Types Of Scapulars?
This section talks about the two types of scapulars in the Christian Faith. Like being said, there are two types of scapulars and those two are the monastic and devotional scapulars.
Who wears the Monastic Scapular?
You might ask this question but I’m here to answer this. Well, if you ask who wears this, it’s simple. Monks, nuns, and some priests tend to wear the monastic scapular around their shoulders. It first existed in the 7th century by the orders of Saint. Benedict.
Who wears the Devotional Scapular?
This is an easy question to answer. Those who are not members of the monastery wear the Devotional scapular. Like me, who doesn’t belong to the monastery, wears the brown scapular as a form of silent prayer.
NOTE: This is my hand holding my brown scapular.
All different kinds of scapulars explained.
Up to this day, there are only 18 scapulars approved by the Catholic Church and I’ll explain each scapular in a particular order. I’ll go from the brown scapular to the latest scapular being approved by the Catholic Church. Also, scapulars come in different colors such as red and green for example. Like being said, I’ll start off with the brown scapular.
- The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Carmel
The brown scapular is the most famous scapular to exist and the best known scapular to be worn. This scapular symbolizes Our Lady’s apparition to St. Simon Stock. Catholic culture says that this scapular offers a “special protection for all members of the Carmelite Order, and a special grace at the hour of death to all who wear the scapular so that they would not perish in Hell but would be taken up to Heaven by her on the first Saturday after their death.”. However, keep in mind that wearing the brown scapular doesn’t guarantee a free ticket into heaven since we must be in a state of grace while seeking Our Lord’s forgiveness.
- The Red Scapular of Christ’s Passion
The red scapular symbolizes the Passion of the Christ. It was first introduced when Christ himself made an apparition to St. Vincent de Paul’s daughter of charity in 1846. This scapular is depicted with our crucified Lord. What does this scapular offer? Well, it offers a great increase of faith, hope and charity. Although it’s worn on Fridays since it’s a promised that Christ himself made to those who wear it every Friday.
- The Black Scapular of Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows
This is a short answer but this scapular represents Our Lady’s seven sorrows. More information about her seven sorrows will be written in a separate sub stack article. Stay tuned about this article but keep in mind that I’ll mention this scapular in the same article.
- The Blue Scapular of The Immaculate Conception
This scapular represents Our Lady’s Immaculate Conception. It has its origins when the foundress of The Order of Theatine Nuns, Venerable Ursula Benicasa, had a vision of Our Lord revealing her the habit and scapulated her in honor of Our Lady’s Immaculate Conception. It would later be approved by Pope Clement X in 1671 while a Confraternity was established in 1894 for those who wore the blue scapular.
- The White Scapular of The Holy Trinity
I have something to admit, I did own a scapular similar to that but I accidentally broke it while I was taking it off. I still regret breaking it but anyways, going back to the topic. The white scapular traces its origins when an Angel appeared to Pope Innocent III as he approved the Trinitarians’ order on January 28, 1198. He was blessed with a white scapular, symbolizing The Holy Trinity. More information will be written about The Holy Trinity in a separate substack article, as well as the white scapular being included on the article.
- The Green Scapular
Although this scapular represents both spiritual and physical healing, as well as people’s conversion to the Catholic Faith, it has roots like the rest of the scapulars. It’s said that Our Blessed Mother gave the brown scapular to St. Vincent de Paul’s daughter of charity, Sister Justine Bisqueyburu. Besides, this scapular can be blessed by a priest, something simple. Right? Here’s a fun fact. Pope Pious IX approved the green scapular in both years 1863 and 1870.
Conclusion
I hope that you had lots of fun learning about these scapulars. It all started with a conversation I had with someone about them. While I intended to include their promises, I ended up including their history for the most part since it’s strongly important to learn the origins behind each scapular. God bless you and have a fantastic day or night. Depending on where you live
citation
“Library : Different Kinds of Scapulars.” Library : Different Kinds of Scapulars | Catholic Culture, https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=1312.