The Carmelite Family has been the custodian of one of the most popular Sacramentals in the Catholic Devotional life, The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  It has been in existence for over 750 years.  The Brown Scapular is a sign approved by the Church and accepted by the Carmelite Order as an external sign of love for Mary, of the trust her children have in her, and of commitment to live like her.  In some religious orders, such as the Carmelites, the Scapular turned into a sign of their way of life.  It stands for the decision to follow Jesus like Mary; be open to God and to His will; be guided by faith, hope, and love; to pray at all times; to discover God present in all that happens around us and to introduce people into the family of Carmel.  It points to a renewed hope of encountering God in eternal life with the help of Mary’s protection and intercession.

The Scapular was presented by Our Lady to St. Simon Stock, the Father General of the Carmelite Order, on July 16, 1251, who appeared to him at the Carmelite Priory in Aylesford, Kent, England. Of course, the Scapular itself existed before then as part of the religious habit of the Carmelites – but in this vision the Queen of Heaven and Earth attached a very special promise to the devout use of the Scapular. She said – “Receive this habit of your Order; this shall be to you and to all Carmelites a privilege that whosoever dies clothed in this habit shall never suffer eternal fire” …it shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace.  However, as Gloria Hooper, leader of our own ministry says: “Hopefully, people are aware that wearing The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel does not absolve them from grievous sins. It is not the Scapular’s intention to give people a false sense of security when it comes to sinning.”

The Carmelites formed a “Third Order” for lay people, either married or single, who wished to participate deeply in the spirituality and charism of the order, but remain in their secular state of life.  The members of the Confraternity have the added benefit of sharing in all the spiritual benefits of the Carmelite Order.  Members are required to wear the Brown Scapular continuously; observe chastity according to their state in life (married or single); recite certain prayers and perform good works daily.  The Scapular is the identifying part of The Carmelite habit.  Gloria states: “Our Lady of Mt. Carmel wants everyone to wear the Brown Scapular, Catholic or Non Catholic.  This requires living faith in Jesus Christ”.

Scapulars are available in Mary’s Cove gift shop; however, those who wear the Brown Scapular need to be enrolled by a Priest, Deacon or Religious.  Our Lady of Mount Carmel Queen of The Brown Scapular, Third Order of Carmelites, meets the 2nd Friday of the month at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center.   If you are interested in finding out more about this ministry, please call Gloria at 393-8504.