Buffalo

After the 9:30 Mass, Father Marek Kreis, is going to invest those who wish into the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

St. John Paul II said the scapular is a “sign of continuous protection of the Blessed Virgin, not only along the pathways of this life, but also at the moment of passing into the fullness of eternal glory.” When Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock in 1251 and gave him the scapular, she said these words: “Take this Scapular; it shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and a pledge of peace. Whoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” She promises to deliver from Purgatory those who still are in need of purification shortly after their passing from this life.

Wearing the Scapular means you show your devotion to Our Lady and choose to live following Jesus through Mary who will help you to do so. The conditions attached to this devotion include some sort of daily Marian devotion such as the Rosary or the Little Office of the Virgin Mary, and observing chastity in ones state of life. We must not misuse the scapular by thinking how we live our life is not important.

Pope St. John Paul II was wearing Our Lady’s Scapular when he was shot in 1981. He insisted doctors not remove his scapular. Carmelite Father Mariano Cera told “Inside the Vatican” magazine: “Just before the Holy Father was operated on, he told the doctors, ‘Don’t take off my scapular.’ And the surgeons left it on.”

Investiture in the Brown Scapular must be done by a priest. You must wear it over the shoulders so one part hangs in the front and one part hangs in the back, either over or under your clothes. If your scapular becomes worn or broken, a new one may replace it without it needing to be blessed.