Scapular Catechesis | Meditations from Carmel
“What is the official status of the Sabbatine Privilege?
Historical research has shown that the alleged fourteenth-century appearance of the Blessed Mother to Pope John XXII is without historical foundation. As a matter of fact, in the year 1613 the Holy See determined that the decree establishing the"Sabbatine Privilege” was unfounded and the Church admonished the Carmelite Order not to preach this doctrine. Unfortunately, the Order did not always comply with this directive of the Holy See."
I’ve long held that the Carmelites are the owners of the Brown Scapular, and their official word carries the day.
The Scapular Catechesis is an extremely sound, reasoned, and clear document on how one should properly wear the Scapular: as a sign of being clothed with the Carmelite garment, entrusting ourselves to our Lady’s maternal care as the Carmelites do. Not for some alleged promise, but rather, as a constant prayer, so to speak. It’s a sign of the sharing of spiritual goods with the Carmelite family, and the participation, to a degree of Carmelite spirituality, as listed in the Catechesis.
The Brown Scapular has become too abused as a sacramental, and has been surrounded by too many legends and anecdotes, such that people have worn them without any consideration at all of Carmelite spirituality. It’s a good thing the Carmelites are taking this sacramental back, so to speak.