The Brown Scapular and Sabbatine Privilege

 

THE BROWN SCAPULAR AND THE SABBATINE PRIVILEGE

A. INTRODUCTION 

Brown Scapular is a sacramental. Sacramentals remind us of the divine mysteries as an aid to the Christian life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) no. 1667 states: Holy Mother Church has, moreover, instituted Sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy. (Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium)

B. BROWN SCAPULAR

The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, or Brown Scapular, consists of two pieces of brown wool on a cord. The Blessed Mother gave this sacramental to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251 with the promise that Whoever dies invested with this Scapular shall be preserved from the eternal flames. It is a sign of salvation, a sure safeguard in danger, a pledge of peace and of my special protection until the end of the ages.

According to the Holy Sees Directory on Popular Piety, no. 205, the history of Marian piety also includes devotion to various Scapulars, the most common of which is devotion to the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Its use is truly universal and, undoubtedly, it is one of those pious practices which the Council described as recommended by the Magisterium throughout the centuries (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, Chapter VIII).

The Scapular of Mount Carmel is a reduced form of the religious habit of the Order of the Friars of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel. Its use is very diffuse and often independent of the life and spirituality of the Carmelite family.

As a small version of the Scapular of the Carmelite Order, those who wear it and practice virtue, associate themselves with the Carmelite Order, both in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and their expectation of her protection. Thus, Our Lady wants everyone to wear the Scapular.  The reason for this is that the Scapular is our sign of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. - Sr. Lúcia, one of the children of Fatima

Mount Carmel is approximately 70 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

C. THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF SCAPULARS

The clothing of disciples is a common theme in Sacred Scripture. The coat of Joseph (Genesis 37:3) is one example of the importance of clothing in the Bible. Proverbs 31, describing a good wife, says, Strength and dignity are her clothing. Also, Isaiah 61:10 says, I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

The garment attains its highest spiritual meaning, however, in the new covenant. There, the follower of Jesus Christ is said to put on Christ Himself. In Galatians 3:27, St. Paul states, For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Garments can, therefore, remind us throughout the day of the need to persevere in adhering to Christ.

Now, the Scapular, as a special garment of consecrated religious, is known from the time of St. Benedict (6th century). His monks were to wear one over their habit while working. From this practical purpose, the Scapular came to be called the yoke of Christ, and acquire spiritual meaning as a sign of devotion and piety. Among the laity who associate with particular orders, or practice a particular spirituality, the smaller versions of such Scapulars are intended as similar signs and reminders.

D. SABBATINE PRIVILEGE

The Sabbatine Privilege is the promise that those who wear the Brown Scapular will be delivered from purgatory on the first Saturday after their death, Saturday being the day dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

It is said that the future Pope John XXII had a vision of Our Lady who promised this on three conditions: (1) Wearing the Scapular; (2) Observing chastity (the 6th and 9th commandments) according to one's state in life; and (3) praying the Little Office (of Our Lady). For those who could not read, they must observe the fasts of the Church, and practice abstinence on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These are the conditions for Sabbatine Privilege.

In modern times, the Church has permitted the requirement of the Office to be commuted by a priest to a daily rosary. Those bound to the Liturgy of the Hours (Priests, Deacons, Religious Sisters and Brothers) fulfill this condition by saying the Divine Office.

Thus, reception of Holy Communion and going for confession, especially on First Friday and First Saturday of the months.

E. WEARING THE BROWN SCAPULAR

Any Catholic with the right intentions may be enrolled in the Brown Scapular. Wearing of the Brown Scapular is for every catholic. So, any catholic can be enrolled.

The reason of wearing Brown Scapular is that it should be worn as a sign of love for Jesus and allegiance to Him. It likewise indicates a willingness to follow the example of His Mother, entrusting our protection to her care. When we truly love the Lord and Our Lady, and live out our faith in a virtuous way, we can be assured of the promises associated with the Scapular.

However, the Scapular should never be worn as a good luck charm, nor as an assurance of avoiding purgatory or hell whatever our behavior. If you do so, you are being superstitious. So, it is in vain you are wearing it.

Although it is best to wear a cloth Scapular, Pope St. Pius X gave permission for the faithful to use a Scapular medal in 1910. However, Third Order Carmelites are still obligated to wear cloth Scapulars.

Again, when someone is invested with the Brown Scapular, the Scapular must be blessed by a priest. Subsequent replacement Scapulars do not require blessing. Replacement of a scapular does not mean that the wearer needs to be reinvested.

O DIVINE WORD WHO TOOK FLESH FOR HUMAN SAKE, REDEEM US IN OUR SITUATION

© Rev Fr Utazi Prince Marie Benignus Zereuwa