(Death, Heaven, Purgatory, Hell)
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
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Question 10: Why should I wear the Brown Scapular?
Answer: Everyone, young and old alike should wear the Brown Scapular because it is a gift from Our Heavenly Mother. Our Lady promised, "WHOSOEVER DIES WEARING THIS SCAPULAR SHALL NOT SUFFER ETERNAL FIRE. IT SHALL BE A SIGN OF PEACE AND A SAFEGUARD IN TIMES OF DANGER."
Question: What other benefits are attached to the brown scapular devotion?
Answer: The wearing of the scapular draws us closer to Mary in a spiritual bond which identifies us as belonging to her, just as the bracelet on a new born baby identifies that child as belonging to a particular mother. When we wear the Brown Scapular we are recipients of special graces from Our Blessed Mother and because of such are called to a new life of thinking and acting like Mary.
It is a silent prayer, no words need be spoken. We share in the prayers and good works of millions belonging to the Family of Carmel. We are assured of the continual assistance of Our Heavenly Mother as we travel through this life.
Question: Must I be enrolled? Who can enroll?
Answer: Our Lady gave this promise of salvation to all those in the Family of Carmel. One must be enrolled to obtain this promise. A priest is the ordinary who enrolls members into the Scapular Confraternity.
Question: Is the scapular devotion endorsed by the church?
Answer: Pope Paul VI said in 1965: " ...Ever hold in great esteem the practices and exercises of the devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin which have been recommended for centuries by the Magisterium of the Church. And among them we judge well to recall especially the Marian rosary and the religious use of the Scapular of Mt. Carmel."
Question: Why should I wear the scapular when I already have Jesus?
Answer: Always pray that you remain steadfast in your love for Jesus. Remember, at the crucifixion all the apostles, except John, abandoned Jesus...John remained at the cross with Mary.
St. Alphonsus: "Just as men take pride in having others wear their livery, so the Most Holy Mary is pleased when her servants wear her scapular as a mark that they have dedicated themselves to her service and are members of the Family of the Mother of God."
