While most of you will think of the United Parcel Service when you hear this expression, there’s another kind of “brown” that’s a lot more powerful than UPS…
The Brown Scapular!
Today, the Church celebrates Our Lady’s appearance to Saint Simon Stock on July 16, 1251.? In this apparition, Our Lady of Mount Carmel promised a special blessing for those who wear her brown scapular.? For many years I thought that the use of this sacramental was nothing more than a superstition.? One day, however, I finally decided to listen to the Church’s wisdom and started wearing the scapular?and asking for Mary’s protection.? As a result, I’ve seen an outpouring of grace that has?brought me closer to Our Lady and to Our Lord.? If?you don’t believe me, listen to the words of?the late Holy Father Pius IX:
“This most extraordinary gift of the scapular – from the Mother of God to Saint Simon Stock – brings its great usefulness not only to the Carmelite Family of Mary but also to the rest of the faithful who wish, affiliated to that Family, to follow Mary?with a very special devotion.” (Blessed Pope Pius IX)
What can (the) ?brown (scapular) do for you?? Keep you close to Christ, protect you from sin and ensure that Our Lady will be with you at the hour of your death.
Sounds like a good deal to me!
I would liketo see more details about how it does this…and more on the specifics of the devotion. I wear one, but I’m not so sure I’ve lived the devotion properly.
Excellent point, Paul! I plan to do a follow-up post with a few more details and some recommended books.
God Bless,
Gary
legit Carmelite websites on the Brown Scapular: http://www.rc.net/lansing/ctk/carmelites/ocds1.htm
http://carmelitanacollection.com/catechesis.php
http://carmelitanacollection.com/rite.php
http://carmelitesofeldridge.org/scapular.html
http://www.ocd.pcn.net/scap_en.htm
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