‘My Beloved…
the tranquil night
at the time of rising dawn’
John of the Cross, The Spiritual Canticle
CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY
The Discalced Carmelite Order provides many resources to assist interested persons to learn more about Carmelite spirituality and to live this spirituality in their own lives. Excellent introductions to the saints of our Order and their teachings, along with resources for use in your own life of prayer may be found at: https://carmelite.com/spiritual-guides/
THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
Originally worn by monks and nuns as an apron, the scapular was placed over the shoulders and protected the tunic during manual labour. The scapular also became symbolic of taking up one’s cross daily and of accepting the yoke of Christ. Over time lay people wishing to be associated in a particular way with one of the Orders within the Church were given a smaller version of their scapular to wear. This symbolised their affiliation with the Order and their desire to participate in the spirit and apostolate of the Order.
According to tradition in 1251 Our Lady appeared to an English Carmelite, St. Simon Stock, and showing him the brown scapular promised that those who wore it during their life ‘would not suffer everlasting fire’. Also attributed to the scapular was the Sabbatine privilege that those who wore the scapular would be delivered from purgatory on the first Saturday after their death. The truth of this tradition cannot be verified with certainty, but its deeper truth and meaning lies in the theological basis of the devotion. Pope Pius XII placed the brown scapular in the first rank of Marian devotions. The devotion is rooted in the spiritual motherhood of Mary, the power of her intercession and the constant teaching of the Church that those who honour Mary and model their lives on hers will not lack her intercession in life or in death.
For all Carmelites, the wearing of the scapular represents the following of Christ and one’s dedication to His service in imitation of the life and virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When it is not possible to wear the scapular, it may be replaced with a scapular medal which has the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the infant Jesus holding the scapular. Both scapulars and medals are available from our online shop in the Inspire section.
We welcome your prayer requests which you may send in writing* or make by submitting a prayer request below.
*The Carmelite Monastery, 100 Adelma Road, Dalkeith, 6009 WA.
Prayer Request
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