Brown Scapular Investiture

Investiture in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – after all weekend Masses, July 17-18

The brown scapular is a sacramental sign of special devotion to our Blessed Mother. On July 16, 1251, our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite, who was praying for heavenly intercession for his order, as the Carmelites were facing trials and oppression. Our Lady handed him a brown woolen scapular and said, “Receive, my beloved son, this Scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire. It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection.”

 This apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Because of her great promises to those who wear the Brown Scapular, the scapular spread to the laity as a sign of Marian devotion and consecration, signified by two small square pieces of brown wool cloth connected by cords, with one square resting on the chest and one on the back. Since then, the Brown Scapular has been recognized as a source of great graces for those who, living holy lives, wear the Brown Scapular with devotion during life and at the time of death.

 If you have not previously been invested in the Brown Scapular, or if you need a new one, we invite you to come to the front of church after Masses on July 17 & 18 to be invested in the Brown Scapular or to receive a new one if yours is worn out.  Sponsored by the Legion of Mary.