People are perhaps familiar with the small scapulars worn by some Catholics. The word scapular is derived from the Latin “scapula” which means shoulder. Present-day scapulars are sacramentals consisting of two small wool pieces of cloth, which are attached by string or a cord and worn over the neck under clothing.
These devotional scapulars usually have holy images that are associated with a particular devotion. Likewise, wearing a particular scapular is a sign of connection to the spirituality of a certain religious order.
However, the historical origins of scapulars derive from a garment, which was often a part of a monastic’s habit and worn by many orders. Other religious congregations and groups also adopted monastic scapulars.
History and Origin of Scapulars
Most monastic orders, also referred to as First Orders, used scapulars as a working garments. In St. Benedict’s Rule, written sometime in the sixth century, there is a reference to monastic scapulars. These ankle-length garments were also apron-like, shoulder-wide, and made of a rectangular piece of cloth with a hole for the head. In some cases, these garments also had hoods attached such like those worn by the Dominican order.
Over time, the monastic scapular became the symbol of a monk. It was an important part of a monastic’s habit, which was usually presented in ordination and investiture ceremonies. It came to be known as “jugum Christi” or the yoke of Christ. Many non-monastic (male and female) religious orders also adopted the use of these garments.
During the Middle Ages, laity often joined various religious orders as affiliates called tertiaries and became members of a third order. Third Orders consisted of religious and secular members. Some members were permitted to wear the full habit with the monastic scapular.
Gradually over time, the laity received a smaller-sized monastic scapular to show their ties to these religious orders. For lay members of a third order, monastic scapulars slowly evolved into the devotional scapulars that are worn today.
Different devotional scapulars are usually associated with religious orders or specific devotions.
The Brown Scapular
The Catholic Church recognizes various scapulars in different designs and colors. Among these, the Brown Scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most well known. Believed to be the oldest scapular, it is associated with the Carmelite order.
According to Catholic Church tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the Carmelite St. Simon Stock in 1251 and gave him a scapular. The Virgin vowed that who ever died wearing the scapular would have her protection from the fires of hell. There are promises and indulgences associated with this scapular. One particular promise is called the Sabbatine Privilege.
The Green Scapular
Associated with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Green Scapular is another very popular sacramental. In 1840, the Virgin Mary appeared to Sister Justine Bisqueburu on several occasions.
In one vision, Sister Justine was given the design for this scapular. The Catholic Church recognizes many other scapulars. Some of these include the Blue Scapular, Five-Fold Scapular, Scapular of St. Michael, and the Red Scapular.
Scapulars are sacramentals just like holy water or blessed candles and not magical charms. They are sacred objects and signs of person’s consecration and devotion to follow certain Catholic practices. People should also use or wear these sacramentals in the proper manner.
Proper Use of Scapulars
Although each scapular may have its own unique qualifications and usage, there are ecclesiastical rules pertaining to the proper use and wearing of all scapulars. Scapulars must be of woven wool material and are usually of the color associated with the particular religious order or devotion. They must be worn over the shoulders such that the front part is on the breast and the other segment should hang in the back.
Some scapulars like the Brown Scapular and those associated with a confraternity require that a person go through an investiture ceremony. To receive the various scapular promises, special privileges or indulgences associated with a particular scapular, people have to observe certain practices. Once a person is invested with a scapular, subsequent scapulars do not have to be blessed.
Other scapulars such as the Green Scapular do not require investiture, but each scapular does have to be blessed by a priest. This scapular can be either carried or worn by the person.
There are various other rules pertaining to these sacramentals such as the proper method of disposal of old or worn scapulars and the wearing of scapular medals.
In one form or another, scapulars have had a long history of use in the Catholic Church
Sources:
- The Externals of the Catholic Church by John Francis Sullivan,
- Catholic Encyclopedia – Scapular,
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