The Scapular A link between Humanity and Eternity
By Francisca Fatima Da Costa
Very often, we notice a brown rectangular patch of cloth sewed to a string and
worn around the neck by the catholic brethren. It is the scapular a symbol of
devotion to the Mount Carmel. Since the seventeenth century, the scapular has
been a major symbol of catholic devotion to Mother Mary after her believed
promise of salvation given to humanity.
By means of the scapular, a devotee experiences the love, protection and
reassurance from the virgin Mother and her loving presence in their daily
lives.
Carmelite Family:
Today, July 16th is the most happiest day for the Carmelites all over the
world as on this day is celebrated the feast of Our lady of Mount Carmel,
being their patron the carmelites on this day thank the Lord for all the
blessings and graces showered on them through Mother Mary.
The carmelites propogate the devotion to the devotees by distributing the
scapular on the feast day.
The Carmelite family
considers the scapular as the unique treasure of its
order, a defining symbol of its identity and allegiance to the Mount Carmel.
The Carmelites consider Prophet Elijah as its Father and leader and the Blessed
Virgin Mary as the Mother and model of their order in the ultimate goal of
achieving union with Christ.
The Carmelites were a group of hermits living on Mt. Carmel in Palestine. They
believed themselves to be the spiritual sons of Elias -- the Prophet --and led
a very quiet and silent existence filled with prayer, penance and contemplation.
So firm were the Carmelites in their pure devotion to the blessed heart of the
Virgin Mary, that they believed that it was through her that a disciple could
experience the love and peace of Jesus.
Marian Doctrines:
The twin Marian doctrines of Marys spiritual maternity and her meditation of
Grace come through the devotion of the brown scapular.
The Catholic Church believes that Mary in an apparition to the then Prior
General of the Carmelites, St. Simon Stock, promised that -- whoever dies
wearing the scapular would not suffer the eternal flames of hell and would save
his own life.
The devotion through the scapular also teaches that the aid of Mary may be
confidently expected to all those who faithfully wear the scapular and to those
who practice chastity and recite the rosary of the blessed Virgin.
Prayerful Life:
Although the presence of the Marian promises, scapular devotion does not
provide an escape from the ordinary duties of Christianity.
A Catholic, despite being a devotee of the scapular has to abide wholeheartedly
to the Ten Commandments, daily prayer, attendance at mass on days of
obligation, the reception of the sacraments of penance and the holy Eucharist
and the faithful performance of the duties of ones state.
The main goal of the scapular devotion is to prepare oneself for the final goal
of the Christian life -- union with God in eternity. To wear a scapular means
that we lead a way of life trying to gain a deep and personal intimacy with
the Mother of God and a commitment to take her as the model of Christian
discipleship.
St. Theresa in her teachings would say, All who wear this holy habit of Carmel
are called to prayer and contemplation, charity and humility. It is to live
according to her example, with her contemplative spirit and with her purity of
heart.
St. John of the cross explains very clearly that the way of contemplative or
mystical living is very similar to experiencing beatific vision here on earth,
and when the veil of this earthly sojourn is torn, we enjoy the sweet encounter
with the living God. And thus cannot suffer eternal fire.
Link of Humanity:
One must not wear the scapular as a trend or fashion to advertise being a
devout catholic, instead, it is a constant reminder that one should be like
Mary living with Jesus. The scapular should be a sign of our desire and effort
to be contemplative Christians. The scapular is one of the means of directing
people to Mary and thus to her Son. We must be confident about the value of
this ancient symbol based on a venerable tradition. If we are clothed in Marys
habit, we should strive to be clothed also in all her goodness and simplicity.
The scapular serves as an important link of humanity to Jesus through Mary.
Faithful Incentive:
The wearing of the scapular should be a strong incentive to the faithful as a
sign of ones special relationship with Mary the Mother of Jesus. We should
always try to live her virtues -- specially her quality of showing concern and
serving others.
The Late Pope John Paul II said, The Marian patrimony of Carmel has become,
over time, "through the spread of the devotion of the Holy Scapular, a treasure
for the whole Church. For its simplicity, for its anthropological value and for
the relationship with Mary as regards the Church and humanity, this devotion
has been profoundly and widely grasped by the people of God.
As far as the Scapular is concerned in a specific way, John Paul II, emphasized
that it is worn by many simple faithful, as a devotion to Mary, which in this
way find themselves associated with the great Carmelite families. In addition,
inserted a memory and a personal testimony. "I too have worn on my heart, and
have for a long time, the Carmelite Scapular."
Wear it as a sign of Marys protection and of belonging to the family of the
Mount Carmel.
Wish all the faithful a Happy Feast of the Mount Carmel.
(The Carmelite Fathers celebrate the feast of the Mt Carmel annually on July
16th at Margaos Carmelite Monastery)
