Scapular

[Extra ecclesiam nulla salus]

I have a question about the scapular: What is it exactly? what does it do? and must it be blessed by a priest for a lay person to wear it?

thanks


sam

[Cam42]

Scapulars consist essentially of two quadrilateral segments of woolen cloth (about two and three-quarter inches long by two inches wide), connected with each other by two strings or bands in such a manner that, when the bands rest on the shoulders, the front segment rests before the breast, while the other hangs down an equal distance at the back. The two segments of cloth need not necessarily be equally large, various scapulars having the segment before the breast of the above dimensions while the segment at the back is much smaller. The material of these two essential parts of the scapular must be of woven wool; the strings or bands may be of any material, and of any one color. Since 1910 and the regulation of the Holy Office of 16 December of that year (Acta Apost. Sedis, III, 22 sq.) it is permitted to wear, instead of one or more of the small scapulars a single medal of metal. This medal must have on one side a representation of Jesus Christ with His Most Sacred Heart and on the other an image of the Mother of God.

In order to be properly invested yes, there should be a blessing. However, one can argue that sactification through the pious use of the scapular gives a common blessing to the scapular. I would suggest that if you are going to start wearing a scapular, you get it blessed by your local priest and then wear it all the time.

In deciding which scapular to wear, do a litte homework and figure out which one most suits your spirituality and you will get a greater devotional use of your scapular.

Cam