The Brown Scapular
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
From the Roman Breviary at MatinsWhen on the holy day of Pentecost, the Apostles, through heavenly inspiration spoke diverse tongues and worked many miracles by the invocation of the most holy name of Jesus, it is said that many men who were walking in the footsteps of the prophets Elias and Eliseus, and had been prepared for the coming of the Christ by the preaching of John the Baptist, saw and acknowledged the truth, and at once embraced the faith of the Gospel. These new Christians were so happy to be able to enjoy the company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and venerated her with so special an affection, that they, before all others, built a chapel to the purest of Virgins on that very spot of Carmel where Elias of old had seen the cloud, a remarkable type of the Virgin ascending.
Many times each day they came together to the new oratory, and with pious prayers, ceremonies, and praises, honored the Blessed Virgin Mary as the protector of their order. For this reason, people from all parts began to call them the Brethren of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel; and the sovereign pontiffs not only confirmed this title, but granted special indulgences to whoever called either the whole Order or individual brothers by that name. But the most noble Virgin not only gave them her name and protection; she also bestowed upon blessed Simon, the Englishman, the holy Scapular as a token, wishing the holy Order to be distinguished by that garment, and to be protected by it from the evils which were assailing it. Moreover, as formerly the Order was unknown in Europe, and on this account, many were importuning Honorious III for its abolition, the loving Virgin Mary appeared by night to Pope Honorious, and clearly bade him receive both the order and its members with kindness.
The Blessed Virgin has enriched the Order so dear to her with many privileges, not only in this world, but also in the next; for everywhere she is most powerful and most merciful. It is piously believed that those of her children who have been enrolled in the Confraternity of the Scapular, have fulfilled the small abstinences, said the prayers prescribed, and maintained chastity according to their state in life, will be consoled by our Lady while they are being purified by the fire of purgatory, and will, through her intercession, be taken thence as soon as possible to the country of heaven. The Order, thus laden with so many graces, has ordained that this solemn commemoration of the Blessed Virgin should be observed annually forever, to her greater glory.
According to the “Sabbatine Privilege,” confirmed by several popes, our Lady has promised to deliver her faithful Carmelite sons and daughters from Purgatory on the first Saturday after their deaths. This includes all who faithfully wear the Scapular, observe chastity according to their state in life, and recite her Little Office. Those unable to read fulfill this requirement by observing the days prescribed for fasting and abstinence and by abstaining as well on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Roman Office (or the Rosary, with the permission of one's confessor) may be substituted for the Little Office. Remember the Scapular is not some sort of charm, but rather a means to growth in the spiritual life.
The Brown Scapular and Rosary in this packet were blessed following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on the feastdays of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16th, and Our Lady of the Rosary, the first Sunday of October. Accept them with our compliments. Pray the Rosary daily, and remain a faithful client of our Blessed Lady all the days of your life.
