“The devotion to the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has brought down upon the world a copious shower of spiritual and temporal graces,” said Pope Pius XII.

Here we present 12 key points that anyone who carries this religious object should know.

1. It is not an amulet

It is not a charm or an automatic guarantee of salvation or a dispensation from living the demands of the Christian life.

“You ask: what if I wanted to die with my sins? I answer you, then you will die in sin, but you will not die with your scapular,” warned St. Claude de la Colombiere.

2. It was a dress

Scapular comes from the Latin “scapulae” meaning “shoulders” and was originally an overlay garment that falls from the shoulders, worn by monks at work.

The Carmelites adopted it as a sign of special dedication to the Virgin, seeking to imitate her dedication to Christ and to others.

3. It is a gift from the Virgin

According to tradition, the scapular, as we know it today, was given by the Virgin Mary herself to Saint Simon Stock on July 16, 1251.

Mary told him: “It must be a sign and a privilege for you and for all the Carmelites: whoever dies wearing the scapular will not suffer eternal fire.” Later the Church extended the scapular to the laity.

4. It's a mini habit

It is like a miniature Carmelite habit that all devotees can wear as a sign of their consecration to the Virgin.

It consists of a cord worn around the neck with two small pieces of brown or coffee-colored cloth. One is placed on the chest and the other on the back and is usually worn under clothing.

5. It is a service uniform

St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Doctor of the Church, said: “Just as men take pride in having others wear their uniform, so Our Lady Mother Mary is pleased when her servants wear her scapular as proof that they have dedicated themselves to her service, and are members of the family of the Mother of God.”

6. It has three meanings

The love and maternal protection of Mary, belonging to Mary and the gentle yoke of Christ that she helps us carry.

7. It is a sacramental

It is recognized by the Church as a sacramental, that is, a sign that helps us live holy lives and increase our devotion.

The scapular does not communicate graces as the sacraments do, but rather disposes one to love the Lord and to repentance if it is received with devotion.

8. It can be given to a non-Catholic

One day, a dying old man was brought to Saint Stock. Upon regaining consciousness, he told the saint that he was not Catholic, that he wore the scapular as a promise to his friends and prayed a Hail Mary daily.

Before dying he received baptism and the anointing of the sick.

9. He was seen in an apparition of Fatima

Lucia, the visionary of Our Lady of Fatima, reported that in the last apparition (October 1917) Mary appeared in the Carmelite habit, with the scapular in her hand, and reminded her that her true children wear it with reverence.

She also asked that those who consecrate themselves to her use it as a sign of said consecration.

10. The scapular that was not damaged

Blessed Pope Gregory X was buried with his scapular, and 600 years later, when his tomb was opened, the object was still intact. Something similar happened with St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori.

Saint John Bosco and Saint John Paul II also used it and Saint Peter Claver invested with the scapular those he converted and prepared.

11. Not anyone can impose it

The imposition of the scapular should preferably be done in a community and the celebration should clearly express the spiritual meaning and commitment to the Virgin.

The first scapular must be blessed by a priest and placed on the devotee with the following prayer:

“Receive this blessed scapular and ask the Blessed Virgin that through her merits, you may wear it without any stain of sin and that she may protect you from all evil and lead you to eternal life.”

12. Only the first one you receive is blessed

When the first scapular is blessed, the devotee does not need to ask for a blessing for subsequent scapulars. Worn scapulars, if blessed, should not be thrown away, but may be burned or buried as a sign of respect.