The scapular is a small piece of cloth that is a part of the Carmelite Order, a religious community. Those who wear the scapular are sharing in the order's special devotion to the Mother of Christ. They who wear the scapular in a spirit of true devotion and love have a special claim to Mary's intercession and protection.
On the surface, some people may think scapulars are superstitious "good luck charms" that guarantee our entrance into heaven. They do not. Only living in a state of grace will guarantee us eternal salvation. However, scapulars are a special gift from God by which we attain protective graces.
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock in the year 1251. She promised that all who wear the brown scapular "shall not suffer eternal fire; if wearing it when they die, they shall be saved." This assumes, of course, that one does not deliberately lead a sinful life and make a mockery of God's law.
For me, the brown scapular has been a constant source of comfort. I also believe that when I wear it, I am showing our blessed Mother my faith in Her intercession.
All these years, I've been buying countless pieces of scapulars. Where I live, the pieces sold are of poor quality. They fall apart so easily. The cords are thin and the images on the felt pieces look weird. One friend even said it reminded him of Chucky. Brrrr.
This scapular is a better-looking version compared to the ones I can buy in my hometown.
I tried searching in religious shops for better-looking and more durable scapulars. Finally I gave up. Today I ventured online and what a treasure trove of scapulars have I found. Here are some of the available scapulars... gorgeous!
The Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel
(the traditional scapular)
(the traditional scapular)
The Scapular of Mount Carmel
The Divine Mercy Scapular
The Red Passion Scapular
Children's Scapular
The Crusader Scapular
For more information about the Brown Scapular, read 'Garment of Grace'.
P/S : I have found an absolutely wonderful supplier of scapulars at Rosescapular.net. I've been buying from them and shipments are prompt. Requests via email have been handled well (and I've even made friends!). The scapulars are also of good quality (I'm super satisfied!). My favourites are the Mount of Carmel scapulars, the St Michael scapular, the Crusader Scapular and the Trinity Scapular. Friends have been reporting that the scapulars have helped them a lot. Some have reported better sleep (they had been troubled with restless dreams or nightmares... even actual disturbances in their rooms.).
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