Of all the devotions to the Virgin, few are as deeply ingrained in our culture as the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Our grandmothers wore it, sailors still wear it, and many children receive it on the day of their First Communion. Behind it lies a promise from the Virgin that is worth knowing well: we explain what she promised, what it means, and how to live it today.
What is the scapular?
The scapular originated as part of the monks' habit: a strip of cloth that falls over the shoulders (the scapulae, hence its name). Over time, the Order of Carmelites made it something any Christian could wear: two small pieces of brown cloth joined by cords, one over the chest and the other over the back. At its heart, it is a small habit: a sign that the wearer places themselves under the Virgin's mantle.
The promise to Saint Simon Stock (1251)
Carmelite tradition tells us that on July 16, 1251, in Aylesford (England), the Virgin appeared to Saint Simon Stock, the general superior of the Carmelites, at a very difficult time for the Order. She gave him the scapular and made him this promise:
“This is the privilege for you and for all Carmelites: whoever dies wearing it will not suffer eternal fire.”
That is why July 16 is the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. You can find her full story in Our Lady of Mount Carmel: history, the scapular and why you should gift her medal.
The Saturday privilege: the Virgin and the souls
The first promise was joined by another tradition, the so-called Saturday privilege: the Virgin helps through her intercession the souls in purgatory of those who have worn the scapular with devotion, especially on Saturday, the day the Church dedicates to Mary. The document that records it (the “Saturday bull,” attributed to Pope John XXII) is debated by historians, but in 1613 the Church permitted this confidence in the Virgin's help to be preached. That is why Our Lady of Mount Carmel is so often depicted with the souls at her feet. If you want to pray for them, here is the prayer for the Blessed Souls in Purgatory.
What the promise really means (and what it does not)
The scapular is not an amulet, nor does it work “on its own.” The Church explains it as a sign: whoever wears it consecrates themselves to the Virgin and commits to living as a Christian, and the Virgin, like a good mother, accompanies them and helps them not to lose their way. The promise does not replace confession or a consistent life; it is a mother's help for those who try to follow her Son. We also explain this in Protection medals: what tradition says (and what it does not).
How to live the promise of the scapular
- Receive it through the imposition ceremony. The first time, a priest imposes it with a brief prayer. This ceremony only needs to be performed once in a lifetime: when it wears out, it is replaced by another without repeating the ceremony.
- Wear it always. Day and night, as a sign that you belong to the Virgin.
- Live as a child of Mary. Pray to her every day (an Ave Maria, the Salve Regina, or the rosary), attend Mass, and strive to live according to the Gospel.
- Remember her on Saturday and on her feast days, especially on July 16, with her novena from July 7 to 15. Here is the prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and her novena.
Can it be worn as a medal?
Yes. Since 1910, by the decision of Saint Pius X, the cloth scapular can be replaced by a blessed scapular medal, with the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one side and the Virgin on the other, once the imposition ceremony with the cloth scapular has been received. Many people also wear the medal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a daily reminder of their devotion.
Our mother-of-pearl scapular and our Our Lady of Mount Carmel medals are jewelry handmade in Spain to carry the Virgin with you every day, even over your clothes. If you want to receive the scapular through the imposition ceremony, ask a priest: you can bring your piece to be blessed the same day.
Carry Our Lady of Mount Carmel with you
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.