Fivefold Scapular Question

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troop111

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Greetings everyone:

I just received the Five-Fold Scapular in the mail, and I’m a little disappointed in its validity.

Each scapular is supposed to have a front face and back face, but this is the Red Scapular, and the front rear and back rear have the Trinitarian Cross, with pieces of colored clothe between them to represent brown, blue, etc. Those pieces of clothe don’t have faces. Like, there’s just a brown square of wool on the front and back, in between the Red Scapular and Trinitarian Cross, to represent the Brown Scapular. There is no actual face. Same with the blue and black.

Is this still valid for all five scapulars? Is wearing this Fivefold, as described above, the same as wearing the five scapulars it represents?

Also, I’ve read that a Priest associated with each particular order for each particular scapular must induct. That sounds like a real pain, I can’t find these people. Can’t my parish Priest induct me for all of them?

Thank you so much for your help.

troop
 
troop111 said:
Greetings everyone:

I just received the Five-Fold Scapular in the mail, and I’m a little disappointed in its validity.

Each scapular is supposed to have a front face and back face, but this is the Red Scapular, and the front rear and back rear have the Trinitarian Cross, with pieces of colored clothe between them to represent brown, blue, etc. Those pieces of clothe don’t have faces. Like, there’s just a brown square of wool on the front and back, in between the Red Scapular and Trinitarian Cross, to represent the Brown Scapular. There is no actual face. Same with the blue and black.

Is this still valid for all five scapulars? Is wearing this Fivefold, as described above, the same as wearing the five scapulars it represents?

Also, I’ve read that a Priest associated with each particular order for each particular scapular must induct. That sounds like a real pain, I can’t find these people. Can’t my parish Priest induct me for all of them?

Thank you so much for your help.

troop
Click to expand...
any priest can induct as far as i’m aware so my five fold scapular litreature said any way. yes it is okay for the image to not be on each scapular as i had the same concerns as you but i not sure where to find the info now. on the up side i use to break brown scapulars regularly i have yet to break one five fold even after wearing daily for a number of years.
 
Hmm… this is highly complex and highly interesting - the kind of post I like best, lol. 😃

Anyway, I understand your questions. First of all, beware of scruples and legalism in your faith. That is very important, of course.

Now, to address the actual questions, find out who is the authentic definer of what makes it valid or not valid. For example, the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel does not have to have pictures on it - just has to be two brown wool squares connected by string of any color.

Also, remember that the indulgences are expired for these, though the participation in the works, prayers, etc. of the various orders that created these scapulars may still be valid.
The partial indulgence for venerating any blessed object, though, still applies for wearing any blessed scapular.

In 1964 the “reserved blessings” in the Roman Ritual were lifted, and any priest, whether religious or diocesan, was given permission to do the blessings once reserved to religious orders (i.e. only Benedictines could do the St. Benedict medal blessing; only Dominicans the rosary; only Servites could bless the Chaplet of Our Lady of Sorrows, etc). When the new Book of Blessings came out, many of these old blessings were not only not revised - they were left out of the book. So that confuses me… are the old ones still valid?

You might contact the various religious orders and ask them what their rule currently is. In terms of blessing, I think any priest has the ability to do that. The old books say that it is still valid if the reserved blessings are done by a priest not of the order, and given that there is a lot of vagueness here in the situation, now, I don’t think it’s wrong for you to err on the side of generosity (if you even are erring, which I doubt) and go ahead and ask any priest to do it.

I guess I’m not of much help here, but let us know what you figure out!
 
Greetings,

I want to thank you guys for posting to my question.

I’ve spoken to two priests regarding the Five-Fold Scapular:
  1. It is valid and counts as five separate scapulars.
  2. The images on the pieces of wool cloth for each scapular are irrelevant to the scapular’s validity. What matters is the piece of wool cloth.
  3. The scapular should come with a sheet for the priest to read from so as to induct the wearer into the associations of the Five-fold Scapular.
If I left something out, let me know and I’ll try to answer. Thank you again!

troop
 
Leon_Bloy said:
Anyway, I understand your questions. First of all, beware of scruples and legalism in your faith. That is very important, of course.
Click to expand...
Can you be a bit more specific regarding this?

The scapular itself does not bring Grace upon us, it is the conscious devotion attached to each, the remembrance of such, that brings God’s Grace upon us.

Am I on the right track here?

troop
 
I wear it and am enrolled in various confraternities (I had to write to them each to do this), also shown is the I.C. Medal.

http://forums.catholic-questions.org/picture.php?albumid=601&pictureid=5339

All the previous indulgence grants were abrogated in 1967 and had to be re-issued in order to be valid. When enrolled officially* in the Trinitarian Third Order (or spiritual membership), Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, Confraternity of the Brown Scapular, and Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception (Marian), then one can receive a plenary indulgence on particular days by wearing the scapular, and also fulfilling the other usual requirements of a plenary indulgence. (Partial when not all of the requirements are fulfilled.) Daily prayers are required for members of each of the confraternities.
  • For the Brown Scapular it is not necessary to enroll officially.
History
Fivefold 1910 (any priest may invest) Redemptorist Sacramental (originally 4 scapulars):
  1. White (Trinity) 1198 The indulgences of this confraternity were last approved by a Decree of the Congregation of Indulgences of 13 August 1899
    Order: Trinitarians; Confraternity of The Most Blessed Trinity
  2. Brown (Carmel) 1251, 1908
    Order: Carmelite Order; Confraternity of the Brown Scapular
  3. Black (7 Dolors) 1255 indulgenced by Pope Paul V 1611
    Order: Servite Order (Order of Friar Servants of Mary) (sanctioned by Alexander IV in 1255);
    Confraternity of the Seven Dolours of Mary
  4. Blue (Immaculate Conception, for conversion of sinners) 1605, 1671, 1992 This devotion bore such rich fruits that on 30 January 1671 Pope Clement X expressly granted the faculty to bless and invest with this scapular. Pope Clement XI granted certain indulgences for the wearing of the scapular, succeeding popes increased the number, and the summary was approved by the Congregation of Indulgences first in 1845 and finally on 26 August 1882
    Order: Order of Theatine Nuns (Clerics Regular); Theatine Confraternity
  5. Red (Passion) 1847 approved and indulgenced by Pope Pius IX on 25 June 1847.
    Order: Priests of the Mission (Lazarists) (Vincentians) (Paules) founded by St. Vincent de Paul
 
  1. Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
    Scapular Confraternity (from 1996 Rite of Blessing of and Enrollment in the Scapular of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel)
  1. The members of the confraternity must at all times devoutly wear the scapular or the medal as a visible sign of their belonging to Mary in the brotherhood of Carmel.
  2. Members are bound to set aside regularly time to be with God in prayer, frequent participation in the Eucharist, daily recitation of one of the hours of the liturgy or of some psalms or the rosary or other equivalent prayers.
  3. If possible, they will meet periodically to build up the sense of fraternity, to study the spirit of Carmel, to care for brothers and sisters in need, all in union with Mary.
  4. They may gain plenary indulgences, provided they fulfill the usual conditions *, on the day they join the confraternity and on the following feasts:
    – St Therese of the Child Jesus (October 1),
    – St Teresa of Jesus (October 15),
    – All Carmelite Saints (November 14),
    – and St John of the Cross (December 14).
    – St Simon Stock (May 16),
    – the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (July 16),
    – St Elijah, prophet (July 20).
*Confession, communion, prayers according to the intentions of the Pope, and a renewal of the promise to keep the pledges of the Confraternity.
Decrees of the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary 144/68/R of June 25, 1968, and 11533/68/R of Sept. 17, 1968.
 
  1. The Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows
What are the Obligations?
The members of the Confraternity commit themselves:
  1. To wear the black scapular or medal of Our Lady as a sign of their commitment.
  2. To pray 10 to 15 minutes each day for the intentions of the entire Servite Family (friars, nuns, sisters, member of the Secular Order and the Secular Institutes, and especially members of this Confraternity). The Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows is recommended, but other prayer forms may be substituted. For a just cause, this obligation may be reduced to seven Hail Mary’s.
  3. To pray each day at least on “Hail Mary,” “Hail Holy Queen” and the “Prayer for the Church and the Servite Order.”
  4. If possible, to undertake works of mercy, especially toward those suffering in body or spirit.
They may gain plenary indulgences, provided they fulfill the usual conditions *, on the day they join the confraternity and on the following feasts:
– Fra. Antony M. Pucci (January 12),
– the Seven Servite Founders (February 17),
– St. Peregrine Latiosi (April 30),
– St. Juliana Falconieri (June 19),
– St. Philip Benizi (August 23).
  • Confession, communion, prayers according to the intentions of the Pope, and a renewal of the promise to keep the pledges of the Confraternity.
“Many people wish to belong to the Servite confraternity, but they do not live in the area where it has been officially established, or they are unable to attend the monthly prayer hours. The Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, established for over a hundread years at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows in Chicago, has been reorganized so that it might meet the needs of such people.”
(Source: Pamphlet entitled The Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, published by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. Chicago, IL)

If you wish to join, here is the contact information:

Br. Michael Callary, OSM.
The Servite Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows
3121 West Jackson BLVD.
Chicago, IL 60612
 
  1. The Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary (Congregation of Marian Fathers ) (www.marian.org to apply)
People wearing the Blue Scapular and belonging to the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception share in all the spiritual benefits of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary (as well as those of the Order of the Clerics Regular—the Theatines), both during their lifetime and after death.

Indulgences attached to the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.
Those who wear the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception can receive a Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions* on the following days:
— The day of investiture with the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, January 24;
— The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8;
— Christmas Day, December 25;
— Easter Sunday (April 12, 2009);
— The feast of the Ascension (May 21, 2009);
— The feast of St. Cajetan (the founder of the Theatine Order), August 7.
— The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15;

*To gain a plenary indulgence:
• a soul must be in the state of grace and free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin;
• there must be a general intention to gain the indulgence;
• acts to perform to obtain the indulgence;
• reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist;
• prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Explanations
It is necessary to go to Communion on the day of receiving of the Blue Scapular and joining the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. The scapular should be made out of blue cloth; it must be blessed and conferred by an authorized priest or deacon. The Scapular should be worn so that its one part is over the chest and the other over the back. We recommend it be worn day and night.
 
  1. Third Order of the Most Holy Trinity
You may engage with the Order Spiritually, by sending a letter to the National Level Executive Director with your request.

A spiritual membership is one in which the lay person desires a deeper relationship with the Holy Trinity, but does not wish to or cannot become fully professed. Each person must make this decision as you discern and pray for guidance in the relationship you are seeking. In cases where there is no Fraternity established, we ask that the scapular be received from your parish priest in the format provided in the package you will receive. This membership will be recorded. In order to defray costs of the scapular, shipping materials, certificate, and postage, a donation of at least five dollars is requested.

Third Order of the Most Holy Trinity
Plenary Indulgence:
  1. On the day of their admission;
  2. on the day on which they make their commitment or renew it in a religious ritual;
  3. on the following feasts:
    – the Blessed Virgin Mary of Good Remedy (October 8)
    – Jesus of Nazareth, the Most Holy Redeemer (October 23)
    – Saint Felix of Valois (November 4)
    – Saint John of Matha (December 17)
    – and Blessed Eliabeth Canori Mora, mother of a family (February 4)
    – Saint John Baptist of the Conception (February 14)
    – the Most Holy Trinity (June 7, 2009, Sunday after Pentacost)
    – Blessed Anna Maria Taigi, mother of a family (June 9)
Spiritual Membership Form

Third Order of the Most Holy Trinity

This form is provided for those who wish a Spiritual Membership in the 3rd Order of the Most Holy Trinity. Please print it out or simply include the requested information in a letter mailed to the attention of the Executive Director.

Mrs. Tina S. Krook, O.SS.T., Tertiary
Executive Director—Third Order of the Most Holy Trinity
National Level
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
805 Pine Street
Asbury Park, NJ 07712

thirdorderap@yahoo.com

Please provide the following contact information:
First Name
Last Name
Title
Street Address
Address (cont.)
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal Code
Country
Home Phone
FAX
E-mail

Enclose check of money order for spiritual membership. $5 minimum ______________________ amount enclosed
 
CHRONOLOGICAL CONFRATERNITY FEASTS

(Used in conjunction with wearing of the scapular and prayer for plenary per the rules of each.)

T = Third Order of the Most Holy Trinity (or spiritual membership)
S = Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows (Servite)
C = Confraternity of Our Lady of Carmel (Carmelite)
I = Confraternity of The Immaculate Conception of The BVM (Marian)

– S Fra. Antony M. Pucci (January 12)
– T and Blessed Eliabeth Canori Mora, mother of a family (February 4)
– T Saint John Baptist of the Conception (February 14)
– S the Seven Servite Founders (February 17)
– I Easter Sunday (April 12, 2009)
– S St. Peregrine Latiosi (April 30)
– C St Simon Stock (May 16)
– I The feast of the Ascension (May 21, 2009)
– S St. Juliana Falconieri (June 19)
– C the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (July 16)
– C St Elijah, prophet (July 20)
– I The feast of St. Cajetan (the founder of the Theatine Order), (August 7)
– I The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (August 15)
– S St. Philip Benizi (August 23)
– C St Therese of the Child Jesus (October 1)
– T the Blessed Virgin Mary of Good Remedy (October 8)
– C St Teresa of Jesus (October 15)
– T Jesus of Nazareth, the Most Holy Redeemer (October 23)
– T Saint Felix of Valois (November 4)
– C All Carmelite Saints (November 14)
– I The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (December 8)
– C and St John of the Cross (December 14)
– T Saint John of Matha (December 17)
– I Christmas Day, (December 25)
– T the Most Holy Trinity (June 7, 2009, Sunday after Pentacost)
– T Blessed Anna Maria Taigi, mother of a family (June 9)
 
Wow this is awesome! You really went above and beyond. Thank you greatly for all this information! I will use it well.

troop
 
troop111 said:
Can you be a bit more specific regarding this?

The scapular itself does not bring Grace upon us, it is the conscious devotion attached to each, the remembrance of such, that brings God’s Grace upon us.

Am I on the right track here?

troop
Click to expand...
I just mean some people can lose perspective on things - placing all one’s confidence in the outward act, the ceremony, without “completing” one’s attitude with the requisite faith, confidence, etc. Or a mentality of “piling up” blessings in a mechanical way.

I don’t think you seem to be in that situation from anything you said. It’s just that sometimes the detail-oriented nature of something like the five-fold can encourage “OCD-ish” tendencies in one’s devotional life. 😃

There are two things with the grace issue: the blessing of the Church on a person or thing (i.e. scapular) invests God’s grace into the thing, in a sense, but the grace available from that thing is only “accessible” by a baptized Catholic who is in a state of grace. I hope that makes sense.

Some people often say that sacramentals “possess no power of their own” or that they are not “magic,” which is true, but those statements taken alone can be misleading. If there is no holiness whatsoever objectively invested in the thing, then what’s the point of a blessing by a priest? If I can dip my finger in any old water and make the sign of the cross to remind myself of my baptism, then I receive the grace and the indulgences that apply when one crosses oneself and makes an interior act of faith. But if I use holy water, then that water brings an indulgence and grace from the thing itself, as well as the beforementioned blessings and indulgences. How much I derive from that holy thing, though, depends on how “open” I am and how much faith is excited in my soul, mind, heart.
 
One can contact the various Orders directly --to join the lists of the each of the Confraternities (different from Third Orders).
 
Are you considered a member of these confraternities simply through being invested in the Fivefold Scapular or are you just invested in the scapulars themselves? Some, like the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, seem to normally require a special investiture ceremony or Mass.
 
verdantmemories said:
Are you considered a member of these confraternities simply through being invested in the Fivefold Scapular or are you just invested in the scapulars themselves? Some, like the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, seem to normally require a special investiture ceremony or Mass.
Click to expand...
Brown: yes, investiture is not required, there is an investiture however. (Carmelite)

Blue: no. Write to enroll. Enrolling through the Marians you get a delegation card for your priest, a blue scapular, a scapular medal, a booklet, the ceremony. (Theatines, Conceptionists, Marians) You receive a certificate also.

White: no. Write to enroll. (Trinitarians) You receive a certificate and scapular.

Black: no. Write to enroll. (Servites) You receive a certificate and scapular.

Red: ?. (Lazarist) Archconfraternity of Holy Agony (original). - I can’t find any current information on this.

Something interesting to read from CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS, 2001:

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20020513_vers-direttorio_en.html#Chapter%20Five
 
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