I have worn the scapular for 20yrs. I never knew there were conditions besides wearing it, chasity and reciting the little orffice of the Blessed Virgin. Exactly what prayer should be said for the little orffice? I found the readings for each day that are 4 pages long and to be said on mornings and envenings. I just cant figure it out? I want the shortest version but is this what I should do?
There is a difference between wearing the scapular of the* third order* and wearing the smaller, more common brown scapular.
Third order carmelites wear a larger scapular the size of a bib and are actually part of the religious life of Carmel – they take vows and dedicate themselves to lives of contemplation and prayer.
Individuals who choose to wear the small common brown scapular are not associated with the fellowship of Carmel but do receive benefits from being linked to the order solely through their scapular. Individuals who wear this small scapular are invested but do not take vows of any kind – and so there are different kinds of requirements and expectations associated with the different scapulars.
If you are wearing a small brown scapular the size of your palm, are observing chastity according to your state in life and are reciting the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, you are doing exactly what you should be doing – no worries! You
may recite additional prayers if you would like, including the Liturgy of the Hours, but are under NO obligation to do so.
The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary began as a series of antiphons and readings that were recited in addition to the regular readings of the Liturgy of the Hours on special Marian feast days. Over time, the Little Office became a complete office in and of itself which was recited
in addition to the LOH by religious orders with a special Marian charism. At the height of the middle ages, the Little Office became obligatory for ALL religious orders, though this obligation was removed by Pope Pius V after the Council of Trent. There are actually many versions of the Little Office, from tiny versions meant to be prayed alongside the LOH to large, seasonal versions which cover all the Psalms and are meant to entirely replace the Liturgy of the Hours, though the most common seems to be the medium-sized Office.
The Carmelite charism is one of dedicated prayer. All individuals associated with the life of Carmel are encouraged to take part in the Church’s liturgy, which includes the breviary in some form. However, since the LOH can be overwhelming, individuals who wear the smallest scapular are given the suggestion of the Little Office
because it is shorter. Since there are individuals who cannot recite even the Little Office, there is the additional option of reciting the rosary. This is actually very traditional custom and not just one belonging to the little brown scapular.
The Church’s custom of praying the breviary is derived from the older Jewish practice of praying the Psalms 7 times a day. During the early medieval period, when many individuals were illiterate, people who could not read the Psalms were allowed to pray certain formal prayers a given number of times instead. In the West, this prayer was often the Hail Mary, and this practice developed into the rosary. In the East, this prayer was the Jesus prayer, and this practice produced the chokti.
SO, if you are already reciting the LOH there should be no reason to feel compelled to additionally recite the Little Office or the rosary, since you are already fulfilling the requirement of taking part in the prayer life of the Church in the fullest sense possible, though either addition would be admirable, indeed – specifically, praying a rosary in addition to your office would please Our Lady of Fatima very much, since she champions both the scapular and the rosary devotion.
when I forgot, except for:
I just ask my Guardian Angel to hover over me… until I get the Scapular back on!