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The Brown Scapular

Sacramentals are signs that remind us of God, Mary, the saints, and Heaven. They are an aid to prayer, and give us graces if our hearts are ready to receive them. Some sacramentals are: the Holy Rosary, the Sign of the Cross, holy water, crucifixes, icons, and more. On July 16, 1251, Our Lady appeared to Carmelite brother Simon Stock in Aylesford, England, and gave him a special sacramental called the Brown Scapular. A scapular (from the Latin for “shoulder blade”) is two small pieces of wool connected by two cords; it is worn with one side on the chest and the other on the back. Mary told Simon Stock: “It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection.” The scapulars worn by Carmelites are garments stretching from their shoulders to their feet, while those worn by lay people are much smaller — usually only an inch or two high and worn under clothing.

Practice it!

Any Catholic priest can enroll you in the Brown Scapular Confraternity--that is, bless your promise to wear the scapular every day, to live a chaste life according to your state (i.e. whether married or single), and to commit yourself to regular prayers and good works. You can use your scapular as an aid to prayer, holding it while praying, for example. Pope Pius VI said, “The Scapular is a practice of piety, which by its very simplicity is suited to everyone.”

Celebrate St. Martha and (Sts. Mary and Lazarus)

July 29

She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” —St. Martha, John 11:27

Things to do this Month:

1. July is the month of the Most Precious Blood. Celebrate with some nonalcoholic blood orange sangria. As you raise your glass, pray “Precious Blood, ocean of Divine Mercy, flow upon us!”
2. Sing America the Beautiful to celebrate Independence Day on July 4.

Verse of the Month

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11: 28

Remember!

Always strive to choose "the better part:" the time you spend growing in relationship with Christ.

Memorize!

Ora et Labora means "pray and work".