Assorted Marian Scapulars
There are numerous scapular devotions in the Roman Catholic Church, many of which center on the Blessed Virgin. This page briefly examines some of those
Marian scapulars.
Black Scapular
Origin:1233 appearance of Mary to the founders of the Servite Order
Purpose: Invoke the protection of Mary, Mother of Sorrows
Practices: Wear the scapular with special devotion to Mary's Seven Sorrows
Source: The Black Scapular is not widely distributed/promoted separately, but is part of the Five-fold Scapular
Blue Scapular
Origin: Appearance of Mary on Candlemas (1605) to Ursula Benincasa, foundress of the Theatines
Purpose: Special graces promised to those wearing the Blue Scapular. Various indulgences throughout the year*
Practices:
1. Wear the scapular with special devotion to Mary's Immaculate Conception
2. Fulfill the duties of their state in life
3. To obtain the indulgences, one must also
a. Enroll in the confraternity (through the Marians of the Immaculate Conception...the scapular's main promoters)
b. c. Meet the obligations of the Confraternity
c. Members of the Confraternity by may gain various indulgences
throughout the year.
Source: Theatines, Marians, and as part of the Five-fold Scapular
The following Marian scapulars are available in gift shops and are eligible for the original
indulgences and graces of their respective confraternities. However, these
confraternities are not actively promoted currently.
Merced Scapular
Origin: Revealed in a dream to St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymond of Pentafort and King James I or Aragon in 1218
Purpose: Associated with the Order of Our Lady of Ransom (Mercedarians)
Scapular of 'Help of the Sick'
Origin: Founded by St. Camillus in 1860 based on the miraculous painting of the same name
Purpose: To invoke Mary's intercession for the sick
White Scapular of the Immaculate Heart
Origin: Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary formed this confraternity in 1877
Purpose: To promote devotion in association with the Order's objectives
Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel
Origin: the Augustinians developed this scapular in 1893 in association with the miraculous painting in their care
Purpose: The inscription reads: "Son, follow her counsel. Leo XIII"
Scapular of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Origin: promoted by Daughters of the Sacred Heart, showing traditional images of the two hearts
Purpose: Promote devotion to the hearts of Jesus and Mary
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