The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel consists of two small pieces of brown cloth, suspended from the shoulders by ribbons and worn under the clothing in front and in back. Those who wear it aim to foster a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Like other devotional scapulars, the Brown Scapular recalls the floor-length, yoke-shaped scapular that it part of many religious vestments.
This scapular is tied to a reported vision of Our Lady to St. Simon Stock, where she said to him, "Whoever dies in this garment will not suffer everlasting fire."
Who can wear the Brown Scapular?
The Brown Scapular is customarily given to children at the time of their First Communion, but reception of your First Communion is not a prerequisite for wearing it.
In fact, baptized infants can be given the Brown Scapular, though it may be impractical to do so.
Many who wear the Brown Scapular choose to be official enrolled in the devotion.
The essential requirement of official enrollment in the Brown Scapular is baptism. This means any Catholic of any age can be enrolled in the Brown Scapular.
At the same time, anyone, including non-Catholics, can wear the Brown Scapular.
Most non-Catholics are not interested in wearing the Brown Scapular and are not able to receive the sacraments of the Church, such as the Holy Eucharist and confession.
However, they can still wear it and if they do so "in faith," the doors of God's grace could be opened and they might be lead to the loving arms of the Church.
The Brown Scapular is a beautiful devotion and when it is properly understood, it can lead an individual to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
