Origins & Meaning

1. What are the origins of the Brown Scapular?

The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel originated in the 13th century
when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite,
giving him the scapular as a sign of her protection and spiritual promise.

2. What is the promise of the Brown Scapular?

Our Lady’s promise is that “whoever dies clothed in this scapular shall not
suffer eternal fire.” It’s a sign of devotion and commitment to Mary, not
an automatic guarantee of salvation.

3. What does the Brown Scapular symbolize?

It represents being clothed in Mary’s care and the Carmelite spirit of prayer,
humility, and trust in God.

4. What does it mean to be “Enrolled in the Brown Scapular”?

Being enrolled in the Brown Scapular means that you are part of the
confraternity of the Brown Scapular and a member of the Carmelite family, as
the Brown Scapular is a mini form of the Carmelite habit.

5. What is the connection between the Brown Scapular and the Carmelite
Order?

The Brown Scapular comes from the Carmelite habit. When you wear it, you
share spiritually in the prayers and benefits of the Carmelite family.

6. What is the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular?

It’s a spiritual association of the faithful who are enrolled in the scapular
devotion, sharing in the prayers of the Carmelite Order.

Beliefs & Promises

7. What is the Sabbatine Privilege?

It’s an optional devotion for those who faithfully wear the Brown Scapular,
live chastely according to their state in life, and pray The Little Office of
the Blessed Virgin Mary daily, resulting in Mary taking their soul to heaven on
the first Saturday after their death.

8. Do I have to follow all the Sabbatine Privilege conditions to wear the
Brown Scapular and receive its promise?

No. The Sabbatine conditions are optional for those who wear the Brown Scapular,
not mandatory. The essential element is wearing the scapular faithfully as a
sign of devotion and striving to live a holy life, staying in a state of Grace.

9. What does the Church teach about the Brown Scapular promise?

The Church approves the Brown Scapular as a sign of consecration to Mary and
the promises that Our Lady gave with it. The Church highly encourages the Brown
Scapular devotion as a way to deepen your life of faith and your relationship
with Jesus and Mary.

10. Is the Brown Scapular a get-out-of-hell-free card?

No. It’s not a magical charm but a sign of living faith and Marian
devotion. May gave us the promise of the Brown Scapular, and in return we must
stay faithful, receive the sacraments, and strive to stay in a state of Grace.

11. Does wearing the scapular guarantee salvation?

No. It’s a sacramental—its grace depends on your faith and cooperation with
God’s grace. One cannot wear the Brown Scapular, live a sinful life without
repentance, and expect salvation.

12. Can someone go to heaven if they wear the scapular but live a sinful
life without repentance?

No. The scapular must be worn with sincere devotion and a desire to follow
Christ.

13. Is it wrong to wear a scapular just for protection or luck?

Yes. The scapular’s meaning is spiritual, not magical. Wear it as a sign of
trust and devotion in Mary and Christ.

14. What is the difference between superstition and true devotion in
wearing the scapular?

Superstition treats it like a charm; true devotion treats it as a reminder
of faith and Mary’s intercession.

Enrollment & Blessing

15. How do I get enrolled in the Brown Scapular?

Any Catholic priest can enroll you using the approved rite of enrollment.
Our scapulars all come with the enrollment prayer.

16. Who can enroll me in the Brown Scapular?

A Catholic priest or deacon may perform the enrollment.

17. Do I need to be enrolled again if I lose my scapular?

No. Once enrolled, you’re perpetually enrolled.

18. Do I need to be reinvested if I get a new scapular?

No. Enrollment is a one-time ceremony.

19. Can a deacon perform the enrollment ceremony?

Yes, with authorization from the pastor or bishop.

20. What happens during the enrollment ceremony?

The priest blesses the scapular, places it over your shoulders, and prays the
enrollment formula. As a result you become part of the confraternity of the
Brown Scapular and the Carmelite family.

21. Can a priest enroll a group at once?

Yes. A priest can bless and enroll multiple people simultaneously.

22. Can I be enrolled online or remotely?

No. Physical presence with a priest is required for proper enrollment.

23. What if I was enrolled as a child but don’t remember?

If you are unsure that you have been enrolled, you may go through the
enrollment ceremony again. Many Catholics were enrolled at their First Holy
Communion.

24. Can I bless my own scapular?

No. A scapular can be blessed by a Catholic priest or deacon.

25. Is there a specific prayer for enrollment?

Yes. The official “Formula of Enrollment in the Brown Scapular” is available with
all of our scapulars and on Scapulars.com.

Wearing & Care

26. Do I have to wear it around my neck?

Yes. The scapular should rest over the shoulders, with one piece of cloth on
the chest and one on the back.

27. Can I take it off to bathe? Do I have to wear it all the time?

You may remove it temporarily for bathing or swimming, but it should be worn
continually as a sign of devotion.

28. How should the scapular be worn properly?

It must hang around the neck with both panels touching the body—one in front
and one behind.

29. Can I wear the Brown Scapular under my clothing?

Yes, and most people do. It should remain close to the body.

30. How do I wash Scapulars.com scapulars?

Our scapulars are designed for daily wear. Hand wash gently with mild soap and
water; lay flat or hang to dry. Washing machines may also be used. We recommend
putting the scapular in a pouch or sock so it does not tangle.

31. How long does a scapular usually last?

We have a 3-year guarantee on our scapulars, but they may last much longer
depending on your level of activity.

32. What should I do if my scapular breaks or wears out?

Simply replace it. Once enrolled, you do not need to be re-enrolled. You
may respectfully bury or burn your broken scapulars.

33. Can I personalize or decorate my scapular?

Yes, if it retains the traditional two-panel form and holy reverent imagery.

34. Can I wear more than one scapular at a time?

Yes. Many Catholics wear multiple scapulars or combined scapulars (e.g.,
Five-Fold Scapulars) but these are all different devotions like the Blue
Scapular or Green Scapular. Only one Brown Scapular should be worn at once.

Materials & Appearance

35. Does the Brown Scapular have to be completely brown?

The Brown Scapular must be made from 100% brown wool. The strings and images
attached to the scapular may be other materials or colors.

36. Does the Brown Scapular have to be 100% wool?

The scapular itself (the 2 rectangles) must be 100% brown wool. The strings and
images sewn to it does not have to be.

37. Are scapulars made from other materials valid?

Wool remains preferred, but the scapular medal was allowed by the pope for
missionaries in tropical climates.

48. Is a scapular medal valid?

The pope originally allowed for the scapular medal for missionaries in tropical
climates. The wool scapular is the preferred material.

39. When is it acceptable to wear a scapular medal instead of cloth?

When wool would be impractical—such as in hot climates or for those with
allergies.

40. What images can be on the Brown Scapular?

While there are some common images for the Brown Scapular, there is no
prescribed image. Any holy and reverent image may be used. The original Brown
Scapulars did not have images at all.

41. Are there different types of scapulars besides the Brown Scapular?

Yes. There are many, such as the Green, Red, and Blue Scapulars—each with
distinct devotions.

Eligibility & Use

42. Do I have to be a Carmelite to wear the Brown Scapular?

No. Any baptized Catholic can wear the Brown Scapular after proper enrollment
by a priest.

43. Can children wear the Brown Scapular?

Absolutely. Children can be enrolled once they understand its meaning.

44. Can I wear the Brown Scapular if I am not Catholic or baptized?

Non-Catholics may wear it as a sign of respect or devotion, but the promises
apply to baptized Catholics.

45. Can I give a scapular as a gift?

Yes. It’s a beautiful, meaningful gift—especially when accompanied by
information about enrollment which comes with all of our scapulars.

Prayer & Devotion

46. Do I have to pray the Rosary to
receive the scapular’s promises?

While not required, praying the Rosary deepens the devotion Mary calls us to
live.

47. Does the scapular replace the Rosary or other devotions?

No. It complements them as part of a Marian lifestyle of prayer and virtue.

About Scapulars.com

48. What are Scapulars.com scapulars made of?

Our scapulars are made from 100% brown Australian merino wool and American
Paracord. The image sewn onto the scapular is polyester.

49. What makes Scapulars.com scapulars different from others?

Our scapulars are made from the highest quality materials. We use a special
stitching that connects the cords all the way around the scapular face, making
it nearly impossible for the cords to detach from the scapular through normal
wear. We invented a scapular pocket for your favorite medals, and we have a 3-year
guarantee.