1. What is the Brown Scapular?
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the habit of the Carmelite Order. For the religious members of the Order, it takes the form of two long, undecorated panels of brown cloth joined at the shoulders and falling, one to the front and one to the back. For the laity, it takes the form of two small pieces of brown or dark cloth, joined over the shoulder by ribbons, and falling, one to the back, the other to the front.
2. What is its origin?
According to tradition, Our Lady appeared with a multitude of Angels in a vision to St. Simon Stock (Prior of the Carmelites) on 16th July, 1251. In answer to his appeal for help for his oppressed Order, she held out a Scapular in her blessed hands saying: "Take, beloved son this Scapular of thy Order as a badge of my confraternity and for thee and all Carmelites a special sign of grace; whoever dies in this garment, will not suffer everlasting fire. It is the sign of salvation, a safeguard in dangers, a pledge of peace and of the covenant." This is known as the "Scapular Promise".
3. What is required to gain so great a promise?
First of all, Our Lady spoke of this as a privilege for "all Carmel- ites." So it is necessary to be in some way affiliated with the Order of Carmel. For most Catholics, this is accom- plished through wearing the Scapular and / or Enrolment in the Confraternity of the Scapular.
4. What is the "Confraternity of the Brown Scapular"?
The Scapular Confraternity of Carmel is an association of the faithful who strive for Christian perfection in the spirit of Carmel. Through their free commitment, they participate in the life of the Order and its spiritual benefits in an intimate communion of thought, ideals and works, together with Mary Queen of Carmel and all the Carmelite Saints. Membership into the Scapular Confraternity takes place in a simple way through means of Enrolment in the Scapular.
5. What is "Enrolment in the Brown Scapular"?
Enrolment in the Brown Scapular is done in a short ceremony in which any baptized Catholic who wishes to wear the Brown Scapular can become associated with the Carmelite Order, and thereby qualify to receive the fulfillment of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s promise. Those who have been enrolled in the Scapular, practice the Order’s spirituality, and have been granted some association with the Order. After the reception of the Scapular, the faithful may, for personal reasons, substitute it with a medal showing on one side the Sacred Heart of Jesus and on the other, Our Lady. People are enrolled in the Scapular only once, by a priest or a deacon. Both, Scapular and medal may be replaced without having to be blessed again.
CARMEL IN KUWAIT
Do you know ...
The Vicariate Apostolic of Kuwait started as a humble Carmelite mission in 1945. The Holy See entrusted this mission to the care of the Discalced Carmelite Order, a Religious Order reformed by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
The cornerstone for Our Lady of Arabia Church in Ahmadi was acquired from the ruins of the old Carmelite Monastery in Aylesford, Kent which had been dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady by Simon Stock (Prior of the Carmelite Order). In 1247, Simon Stock had established this first house in the West for the Carmelite Monks who fled from their craddle in Mount Carmel (Palestine).
In 1948, a picture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was brought to Kuwait by Father (later, Bishop) Stella, OCD, for May devotions. Since then, Carmelite devotion has flourished among the faithful in Kuwait.
The Statue of Our Lady of Arabia (Patroness of the Vicariate Apostolic of Kuwait) is a replica of the Statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, venerated in her basilica on Mount Carmel - the birthplace of the entire Carmelite Order.
The Salmiya Parish is dedicated to the Carmelite "Saint Thérèse of Lisieux", Patroness of the Missions. The relics of St. Thérèse and the True Cross are venerated here.
The Apostolic Carmel Congregation (Carmel Sisters) which is affiliated to the Discalced Carmelite Order, established its presence in Kuwait on 27 March 1969. The Sisters have a convent and school (Carmel School) here, and are also active in parish work.
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6. Is Enrolment in the Scapular a must since I already wear one?
It is not a must to enroll in the Scapular to earn its privileges, however, Enrolment in the Brown Scapular makes a person part of the Carmelite family throughout the world. They therefore share in all of the prayers and spiritual good works of the Carmelite Orders.
7. What is the significance of wearing the Brown Scapular?
The Scapular is not a magical charm for protection or an automatic guarantee of salvation. It is a sign of Christian faith & commitment. Wearing the Brown Scapular implies:
--- Dedication to Mary and trust in her motherly protection,
--- Entrustment to Mary as a means for our salvation,
--- Commitment to follow Jesus as Mary did, whilst imitating her in all things,
--- A desire to live and die in a state of grace.
8. What are the privileges obtained by wearing the Scapular?
When the Scapular is worn faithfully,
--- Our Lady will use her powerful intercession with her Divine Son Jesus to obtain for her devotees special graces to live a good Catholic life and especially to avoid mortal sin. She will also protect them from all evil, danger and harm.
--- At the hour of death, she will intercede for them that they might be preserved from hell (Our Lady's intercession either grants conversion, final perseverance, and / or last rites to the wearer).
--- The third privilege of the Scapular, historically known as the “Sabbatine Privilege”, states that Our Lady of Mount Carmel has promised to shorten the stay in Purgatory of her devotees, if they should pass from this world still owing some debt of punishment. The Blessed Virgin appeared to Pope John XXII and, speaking of those who wear the Brown Scapular, said, "I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in Purgatory, I shall free so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting.”
9. What is expected of the members of the Scapular Confraternity?
The members of the Confraternity must at all times devoutly wear the Scapular (or the medal), as a visible sign of their belonging to Mother Mary in the
brotherhood of Carmel. Above all, the members are bound to fulfill all their Christian duties and the duties of their state in life, to set aside time regularly to be with God in prayer, to practise virtue – especially - charity and chastity and to be obedient to the will of God. Members will also celebrate the solemn feast of the Confraternity of the Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel
(on 16th July) as a mark of devotion and gratitude towards Mary, renewing their commitment of service to her, fidelity to Jesus Christ and the Church, and commending the whole Carmelite Family to the maternal heart of the Virgin. If possible, the members will meet periodically to build up the sense of fraternity, to study Carmelite spirituality, to care for brothers and sisters in need, all in union with Mary.
