What is a scapular and is the devotion really that powerful? How does it relate to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the feast day on July 16th?

A scapular is typically a small piece of cloth worn around the neck. While it is just that simple at its core, it gets a bit more tricky as you begin to introduce and explore the many different variations. Different scapulars often have slightly different devotions or prayers attached to them.

To really understand the origin of the classic brown scapular, it is helpful to look at the history of Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel stands in modern day Israel. It is technically a range of mountains, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea (where it overlooks the coastal town of Haifa) down towards the southeast of Israel. It rises to 1,724 feet above sea level. Mount Carmel has many biblical and historical ties, but the most significant is its tie in to the Book of Kings. It explains that the project Elijah, lived near the mountain with a group of hermits. When they began to experience a severe drought, he instructed the hermits to ascend the mountain and beg the Lord in prayer for rain. Six times Elijah climbed Mount Carmel and prayed for rain with no luck. Finally, on the seventh ascent, the Lord sent rain. Ever since then, Mount Carmel has been regarded as a highly spiritual place.

On Mount Carmel, there is a freshwater spring commonly referred to as the "Fountain of Elijah" because of the mountain's heritage.

In the 12th Century, a small group of Carmelite hermits took up residence on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah. The hermits founded the group based on a strong devotion to Mary, and by the 13th Century, people called them the "Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel." As the hermitage grew, the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel began to spread too.

According to tradition, Mary appeared to one of these Carmelite hermits, named Simon Stock, on July 16, 1251. In this vision, Mary gave Simon Stock the Brown Scapular and a promise to go with it.

Speaking to Simon Stock, now St. Simon Stock, Mary promised:

"Receive, My beloved son, this habit of thy order: this shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege, that whoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire."

Wow! What a powerful promise that is! That's quite a bold claim…does this mean that wearing a scapular is a free pass to heaven?

The short answer…No.

The long answer…Catholics differ from protestants in the fact that they don't believe in "eternal security." A simple profession of faith in Jesus isn't enough. We must persevere to the end to be saved. Salvation comes from Christ and His Church. Faithfully wearing the scapular is helpful as a reminder and a practice to obtain the ultimate goal.

Yes, the scapular is just a piece of cloth and thus has no virtue or power. No, that does not make it useless.

Devotees wear the scapular as a reminder of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Unlike a piece of cloth, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary does have the power to protect any of us from eternal punishment at the moment of death. The scapular is the badge to remind us and direct our hearts toward the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Catholics know Mary by many different titles within the Church. Among these names, Our Lady of Mount Carmel has become one of the most-recognized and most-venerated.

Now, churches all around the world are named after and devoted to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Join in on the hundreds of years old tradition and reap the rewards of the beautiful promise made by Our Mother, Mary.

There are different types of scapulars because each one represents a different devotion, adoration, or love the wearer has for a specific aspect of God, Mary, or Catholicism more broadly. Here are some popular options:

Green Scapular (the scapular of the Immaculate Heart). Can be worn or carried. It is often offered in faith for someone who needs healing or conversion. Shop now

Blue Scapular (the Immaculate Conception Scapular). There are many indulgences and miracles that have been associated with this devotion. Shop now

Benediction and Protection Scapular. Meant to lead us through the terrible times of our world and give special protection to us and our homes. Shop now

Small Brown Scapular. Wear the garment of Mary, the woolen brown scapular of Mount Carmel. Simple, affordable, and powerful. Shop now