What is the Scapular?
The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel consists of two pieces of cloth worn one in front and one in back joined by a ribbon of cloth over each shoulder. For everyone who wears it, it is a sign it is of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary who, above all, draws us to the Sacred Heart of her Divine Son Jesus. Wearing the Scapular is essentially a silent prayer for protection in times of temptation and for Our Lady’s spiritual guidance in our daily lives and a promise of heavenly intercession. It is also a commitment to the essential Marian Spirituality of the Carmelite Order and a share in the graces promised. Pope Pius VI recommended the Scapular of Carmel as “a practice of piety, which by its very simplicity is suited to everyone.”
The Story of Our Brown Scapular Apostolate
In 2016, after extensive research on brown scapulars (how to make them, to price them, and to distribute them), we said, “We can do it!” Then, we considered our community skills and talents (tennis instructor, business owner and CEO, educator, writer and publisher, domestic engineers, and retirees from diverse backgrounds). We said, “We can do it!” Then we considered purchasing quality raw materials at a deep discount. We said, “We can do it!” Then we considered the availability of experienced sewers and sewing machines. We said, “We can do it!” Then, we considered design and printing of scapular images. Russell Stutler, a Catholic convert and graphic artist, designed printable brown scapular images for us (www.stutler.cc/brownscapular). We said, “We can do it!”
We made every mistake possible, but finally, the “manufacturing” method was fine tuned into three stages.
Stage 1: After purchasing the raw material (felt, fabric, cords, thread), the scapular image is printed on the fabric, and the material is prepared and cut into pre-measured strips.
Stage 2. The cords are attached (sewn and ironed) to the front and back scapular images and cut into individual scapulars.
Stage 3. The individual scapulars are placed inside a card, sealed, and distributed. We can now say, “We did it!”
To date we have distributed 1,000’s of scapulars to many parts of the world (the U.S.A., Mexico, Peru, Kenya, Italy, Colombia and many other countries).
We could never have made these scapulars without Our Lady’s blessings and graces. She is spreading her scapular around the world and we are humbled to be a part of it.
Each of our quality, handmade brown scapulars is touched to a first class relic of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Therese of Lisieux.
How To Order
They are available for a “Suggested Donation” of $0.25 each. If you are interested in ordering, please contact us through the contact form below. Fulfillment of orders will be based on availability. Thank you for your consideration in helping to revitalize the brown scapular!
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