What the Scapular of Carmel represents and what are the privileges of those who wear it
Lo Scapular it is a garment that has taken on a spiritual and symbolic meaning over the centuries. Originally, it was a strip of cloth worn over the religious habit by monks during manual labor. Over time, however, it has become a symbol of the identity and life of religious orders, as in the case of Carmel.
Those who receive it become members of theto the Carmelite Family and they undertake to live the spirituality of Carmel according to the characteristics of their own state of life. The Scapular represents theminiature dress of the Order and is a sign approved by the Church to demonstrate the consecration to Mary and the bonds that unite us with Her.
La Feast of the Scapular, celebrated on 16 July, gradually took on the character of a "festival of the habit" due to the growing number of faithful who joined the Order through the Scapular as a sign of devotion and protection in life and death.
What the Scapular represents and what are the privileges of those who wear it
The Scapular it is not a talisman or a magical item, but it's a symbol of devotion to Maria. It does not automatically guarantee eternal salvation or liberation from Purgatory, but it represents a commitment of dedication to Mary and a means of obtaining her protection and help in the difficulties of life.
The use of the Scapular is imposed only once by a priest, through a short ritual and can be replaced by a medal depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin. The wearer is committed to living as authentic Christian, to approach the Sacraments and to profess a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament Virgin.
"privileges” of the Scapular are not an automatic guarantee of salvation, but are favors and graces obtained by the Madonna for her devoted children as reward for their generous dedication. The first grace hoped for by devotees of the Scapular is the eternal salvation, which is the fruit of fidelity to the teaching of the Church and collaboration with divine grace.