The brown Scapular of the Carmelites is a symbol of a way of life. The Scapular finds its roots in
the tradition of the Order, which has seen in it a sign of Mary’s motherly protection. It has
therefore, a centuries old spiritual meaning approved by Church.
It stands for a commitment to follow Jesus, like Mary, the perfect model of all the disciples of
Christ. This commitment finds its origin in baptism by which we become children of God.
It leads us into the community of Carmel, a community of religious men and women, which has
existed in the Church for over eight centuries. It reminds us of the example of the saints of
Carmel, with whom we establish a close bond as brothers and sisters to one another. It is an
expression of our belief that we will meet God in eternal life, aided by the intercession and
prayers of Mary.
People are enrolled in the Scapular only once by a priest or authorized person. The Scapular can
be replaced afterwards by a medal, which has on one side the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and on the other, the image of Mary.
The Scapular holds us to live as authentic Christians in line with the teaching of the Gospel, to
receive the sacraments, to profess our special devotion to the Blessed Virgin, which should be
expressed each day, at least by saying the Hail Mary three times.
The Carmelite Scapular is not a magical charm to protect you or an automatic guarantee of
salvation nor is it an excuse for not living up to the demands of the Christian life.
It is a sign which has been approved by the Church for over seven centuries and which stands for
the decision to follow Jesus like Mary and be open to God and to his will, be guided by faith,
hope, and love, to pray at all times and to discover God present in all that happens around us.
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