Scapulars: explanation please

[Duc_In_Altum]

I just recently received a scapular from a friend of mine. I'm a little reluctant to wear it at least until i understand most of what exactly its devotion entails. I know some of it but if someone could give a brief explanation, it would be greatly appreciated.


in faith, hope, and Jesus Christ,

-Joe

[cappie]

The Scapular devotion was established in the year 1251 when Our Lady appeared to St Simon Stock the Prior General of the Carmelite Order.

The Scapular is not a lucky charm. It is a sign of consecration to Our Lady. And if we die practising this consecration we can be sure of great help from Mary.
The Scapular is usually made of cloth and is a shortened version of the Carmelite Scapular which goes, front and back , almost to the ground. Pope St Pius X permitted the Scapular Medal to be worn in place of the cloth Scapular.

The Scapular devotion includes the idea of consecration to Mary. Consecration is most properly an act done by God, so that when we say we consecrate our selves to God and Mary, we are principally stating that we freely want God's will, the Lordship of Jesus, to be manifest in our lives. The wearing of the scapular is a sign that we want the values lived out by Mary to be evident in our actions.

Pope John Paul has said "I have loved Our Lady of Mt Carmel since I was a young boy. I began to wear her Brown Scapular then, and I still wear it out of love for her ."