Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Brown Scapular is worn as a sign of Christian faith and commitment, symbolic of special devotion to Our Blessed Lady, Queen and Beauty of Carmel. When St Simon Stock was Prior General in the 13th century at a time of crisis and persecution, Carmelites prayed earnestly, invoking the Blessed Virgin for her unfailing protection.
It reminds us of Mary’s fidelity to Christ and the Gospel and it brings us to experience her loving support in joyful hope. All who wear the Brown Scapular become participants in the prayer and liturgical celebration which unite the Order and lead to eternal friendship in the Communion of Saints.
Like Mary and with her, we are called to receive Christ, to bear Christ and to give Christ to the world. Mary leads us to her Divine Son in prayer, praise and thanksgiving and to recognize God’s gifts:
“The Almighty has done great things for me.”
For us, as for Carmelites over the centuries, Mary is an inspiration to grow daily in union with Christ on our journey of faith, in hope and love. She is our spiritual Mother and model of fidelity as she shows us how to be open to God’s message, to listen to His Word and ponder it deeply with loving and generous response.
The Scapular blessed by a priest is given to those who wish to be enrolled, and it is worn as a pledge and sign of her protection for those who belong to the Family of Carmel. It may be replaced by a Scapular Medal bearing her image.
Further information and brown scapulars are available from the Monastery.