Thursday, January 14, 2010

Postcard: Our Lady of Mount Carmel


Our Lady of Mt Carmel.
Gorgeous old postcard!
Do you wear your daily Scapular? Are you entrusted to our Lady?
Do you know the promises of the Wool Brown Scapular?

The brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most popular scapular in the Catholic Church today. In the Middle Ages, a scapular was a full-length garment (apron) worn over the monk's or nun's habit, the color signifying the particular religious order. The brown scapular was revealed to St. Simon Stock, the Prior General of the Carmelite order in 1247. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him the brown scapular and associated promises as a result of his pledge of complete loyalty to her (known as a privilegium). The smaller version (pictured above) of the scapular is worn by lay persons.


Any priest can enroll you! Just go ask ;-). No biggie.
This is wonderful for families: for all to wear daily!!

It's also a source of helping you to be modest because it can be seen if you are wearing low plunging necklines...and you won't want to do that! A great reminder!

Practices

1. Wear the Brown Scapular (or scapular medal) after enrollment*

2. Observe chastity according to your state in life

3. Recite the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or five decades of the Rosary daily (usual requirements)

Promises/Benefits

1. "...whosoever dies wearing this (the brown scapular) shall not suffer eternal fire" (Virgin Mary's promise to St. Simon)

2. Partial indulgence granted by Pope Benedict XV to those who devoutly kiss their scapular.

3. Sabbatine Priviledge: release from purgatory on the first Saturday after death (revelation by the Virgin to Pope John XXII in 1322). Please note that much controversy has surrounded this 'promise' since its promotion by some early Carmelites. The modern Order does not recognize this as legitimate. It is mentioned here for informational purposes.

(Click for larger pic)



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