How to explain the promises of the Brown Scapular to "Bible-Only" Christians?

[Subrosa]

hurst:

No, it does not mean this. You appear to be changing the focus as if that would appease our separated brethren. The focus is on Mary, even as we enjoy the grace of God in this. Nevermind that we are attacked as if we “replaced Jesus” with Mary. That is just them trying to justify themselves for rejecting a “cup of water” given in His Name, and then complaining because we love Mary for her help.

hurst

carmelnet.org/scapular/rules/rules.htm
carmelnet.org/scapular/value/value.htm

 

[DavidB]

Lillith:

Well…I feel that it is more than Jewelry. To me it is more like prayer. Physical prayer…along the same lines of the sign of the cross with baptismal water, which renews our baptismal promises.

It is a physical manifestation of our faith.

I can understand that. I’ve had crucifixes and icons blessed and placed on the altar during Mass before taking them home. Makes them special. Thanks for the explanation.

David

 

[DavidB]

hurst:

I thought I answered this question already. Is your heart closed? Are you really asking these questions to receive an answer, or are they only rhetorical as if to prove your point?

You do not need to be “free from mortal sin” to benefit from the scapular! It is precisely what will help you out of it, in case you are sadly fallen. Not of itself, but because it is an act of faith and trust in Mary’s maternal care for you. You still have to hope and try.

hurst,

You seem to be out of sync in your beliefs with the rest of your fellow Catholics in this. If I respond to one person’s comments, then it seems to put me at odds with another as if I don’t understand. I’m sort of holding 4-5 different conversations here, and I think your thread in this is the most unabashedly pro-Marian of the group, one which is not backed-up by the rest on all points. I guess that is one of the problems here, even you guys don’t agree with what the promises are.

hurst:

Do you refuse to be a child of Mary? Do you refuse to be a child of the Church? If so, then you are refusing to enter the Kingdom of God right now, no matter how much scripture you might know.

I was baptized into Christ and automatically belonged to His Church .That was my entry into the Kingdom. Mary was never part of the salvation equation. So I have never accepted or rejected her as my mother because that’s something that she’s not and it’s never been any part of the baptism ritual. She’s always been part of the Church. As such, she is my sister, the most honored of us brethren, along with the Apostles and martyrs perhaps, but just my sister. Somehow, the Church got along for the first 1800 years without many of the modern beliefs/dogmas that have been added. The Orthodox still do. Marian beliefs are not dogmatic for them and should not be.

David

 

[gardenswithkids]

DavidB:

He he he, I first read your response and thought you asked if I were a chauvinist. I’m sitting here thinking, “Gee, I don’t think so, I hope not . . .” and then turned back and re-read it CALVINist, ohhhh! No. I’m not a once saved always saved person.

I’m glad to see you have a sense of humor. It always helps.

I didn’t think what you wrote implied that you were a chauvinist, but I did think that what you wrote about Mary shows you have little understanding of motherhood.

I’m a mommy. (Gee, could you guess?) When pregnant, I can’t go anywhere without the child in my womb. After the baby is born, the child will continue to be with me. I have older children, but even when they are no longer by my side constantly, they are always in my heart.

When I think of devotion to Mary, I think of how she can’t go anywhere without also bringing Jesus. In bringing us Jesus, she brings us salvation. She is more than just a sister in faith–she is the mother of Our Savior.

 

[Subrosa]

DavidB:

hurst,

You seem to be out of sync in your beliefs with the rest of your fellow Catholics in this. If I respond to one person’s comments, then it seems to put me at odds with another as if I don’t understand. I’m sort of holding 4-5 different conversations here, and I think your thread in this is the most unabashedly pro-Marian of the group, one which is not backed-up by the rest on all points. I guess that is one of the problems here, even you guys don’t agree with what the promises are.

David

Hi Dave -

Quite honestly, this religion is so vast that to know everything about it is quite nearly impossible. So. please keep an open mind when comparing notes! http://forums.catholic-questions.org/images/icons/icon10.gif

Hurst’s devotion to Mary is not without merit. Indeed, Mary is the model of christian devotion. She is our mother, the mother of all christians.

Mary indeed promised that whoever wore the scapular would be saved from eternal damnation. However, she gave this promise specifically to the Carmelites. In order to benefit from the promise, one must join the Carmelites.

The scapular is Mary centered. All devotions concerning it’s ritual usage focus on Mary. While wearing it, one must recite the “Hail Mary” several times throughout the day. Prayer is necessary while wearing it. The constant and full devotion given to God and His Son are in imitation of Mary and her devotion.

It was Mary who delivered it to the Carmelites and it is through Her that its promise is delivered. How that happens is unknown because it happens in the afterlife, but there is certainly speculation. Catholics believe that Mary intercedes in our behalf, espescially when we have great veneration for Her. It can be surmised that She intercedes for us when we pass from this world into the next. The scapular represents Her motherly protection in our passing from this world to the next.

You can understand that someone who wears a scapular must be spiritually prepared for the devotion that is required from it. The devotion is conceptually accepted. It is then put into practice.

A person living in mortal sin would simply not wear a scapular, as I have said before. One cannot simply wear a scapular and be saved from damnation. It doesn’t work that way. If it did, then everyone would be wearing scapulars, including yourself I suspect. http://forums.catholic-questions.org/images/icons/icon7.gif

I would like to see Hurst’s comments on these paragraphs.

With Christ,
Subrosa

 

[hurst]

DavidB:

hurst,

You seem to be out of sync in your beliefs with the rest of your fellow Catholics in this. If I respond to one person’s comments, then it seems to put me at odds with another as if I don’t understand. I’m sort of holding 4-5 different conversations here, and I think your thread in this is the most unabashedly pro-Marian of the group, one which is not backed-up by the rest on all points. I guess that is one of the problems here, even you guys don’t agree with what the promises are.

You are quite right in this. I find myself having to instruct my fellow Catholics sometimes. I will try to do what I can.

DavidB:

I was baptized into Christ and automatically belonged to His Church .That was my entry into the Kingdom. Mary was never part of the salvation equation. So I have never accepted or rejected her as my mother because that’s something that she’s not and it’s never been any part of the baptism ritual.
…
David

I can understand that you have little or no notion of the importance or value of devotion to Mary, based on knowing nothing about her.

But you should know a lot more about her by now.

Entering the Kingdom includes our life after Baptism, and it also includes meeting the angels and saints, as well as our Queen and Mother. Life with Jesus will involve life with them, forever!

Clinging to Mary will not cause you to lose Jesus, but rejecting Mary will definitely hurt your relationship with Jesus.

hurst

 

[hurst]

Subrosa:

carmelnet.org/scapular/rules/rules.htm
carmelnet.org/scapular/value/value.htm

I visited these links and was surprised, especially after I noticed the information is taken from a statement made in 1999 by a group of Carmelites.

What is sad is that they have totally ignored the scapular promise, the sabbatine privilege, the term “sacramental”, and some other things.

What to say? I can’t fault Subrosa for repeating something from a Carmelite website.

However, I can point to other information, to make up for the neglect.

Here is another Carmelite website that does better:

While at first the Carmelites were the only ones to wear the brown scapular, Our Lady’s offer of this sign of her favor was not just to the Carmelite Order, but to the whole world. Soon religious and laity all over the world wished to be able to share in the protection of Our Lady. Countless miracles and conversions have been credited to the scapular, which has also led to the widespread devotion.

carmelitedcj.org/saints/scapular.asp

The best, though, might be this:
ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/SCAPULAR.TXT

…
Pius XII wrote a letter to the major superiors of the Carmelites, to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the vision.

There is no one who is not aware how greatly a love for the Blessed Virgin Mother of God contributes to the enlivening of the Catholic faith

. … In the first rank of the most favored of these devotions that of the Holy Carmelite Scapular must be placed. … Most willingly do we commend so pious an undertaking. … For not with a light or passing matter are we here concerned but with the obtaining of eternal life itself which is the substance of the Promise of the Most Blessed Virgin which has been handed down to us. We are concerned, namely, with that which is of supreme importance to all and with the manner of achieving it safely.

These are indeed remarkable words. The Pope spoke of the scapular as of the “manner of achieving safely” our eternal salvation. He then added: “For the Holy Scapular, which may be called the Habit or Garment of Mary, is a sign and a pledge of the protection of the Mother of God.”
…
(by Fr. William Most)

He then goes on to show, both via scripture and Papal statements, that the crux of this involves accepting the grace of final perseverance.

hurst

 

[hurst]

Subrosa:

Mary indeed promised that whoever wore the scapular would be saved from eternal damnation. However, she gave this promise specifically to the Carmelites. In order to benefit from the promise, one must join the Carmelites.

It suffices to be enrolled and practice devotion in order to gain the grace of final perseverance.

There is another promise known as the sabbatine privilege, but that requires additional conditions to be fulfilled. And yet it is also wonderful in that it promises an early deliverance from purgatory.

Subrosa:

The scapular is Mary centered. All devotions concerning it’s ritual usage focus on Mary. …

Thank you for being clear on its focus. Yes, wearing the scapular is to assist in our piety and perseverence.

But don’t forget that it has helped cause contrition for sins, conversion, and desire for holiness in people who had not had such dispositions beforehand. Accepting it with hope and good intentions can be a powerful prayer in itself.

Subrosa:

It was Mary who delivered it to the Carmelites and it is through Her that its promise is delivered. How that happens is unknown because it happens in the afterlife, but there is certainly speculation. Catholics believe that Mary intercedes in our behalf, espescially when we have great veneration for Her. It can be surmised that She intercedes for us when we pass from this world into the next. The scapular represents Her motherly protection in our passing from this world to the next.

Here are some specifics from another source:
*
Pope Pius XI (“Explorata res” 2/2/1923): “… **nor would he incur
eternal death whom the Most Blessed Virgin assists, especially at his last hour. ** This opinion of the Doctors of the Church, in harmony with the sentiments of the Christian people, and supported by the experience of all times, depends especially on this reason, the fact that the Sorrowful Virgin shared in the work of redemption with Jesus Christ.”
… we have very similar words from Pius XII and Benedict XV.
*

The main focus of the Church is on final perseverance:
*
… we have triple assurance from St. Paul of this: God will offer this
grace of final perseverance to everyone. (1 Thess 5:23-24, Phil 1:6, 1 Cor 1:8-9)

How then could the Council of Trent teach that we cannot be sure of having this grace? Very easily. We watch the wording. St. Paul made clear God will offer it - but it is one thing for God to offer it, another thing for me to have it. …

Is there then any way of protecting against such a possibility, that I might reject it? There is no promise in Scripture for that.

But yet Pius XI said flatly that he whom the Blessed Virgin assists at his last hour will not suffer eternal death. In other words, he is promising that one devoted to her will not, as a matter of fact, reject that grace of perseverance.

She, of course, whom Pope Benedict XV called “suppliant omnipotence” will bring it about. That expression “suppliant omnipotence” is fascinating. It means that everything that God Himself can do by His own inherent power, she can obtain by her intercession. So she will obtain for those devoted to her that they will not fail that all important final grace.
…

(by Fr. William Most)
ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/SCAPULAR.TXT
*

Subrosa:

You can understand that someone who wears a scapular must be spiritually prepared for the devotion that is required from it. The devotion is conceptually accepted. It is then put into practice.

Yes.

Subrosa:

A person living in mortal sin would simply not wear a scapular, as I have said before.

In a sense, you can be right. But that assumes they also have no desire for conversion. There are many miracles involving the scapular, and one kind involves people being converted after accepting an offer to wear the scapular. If the person realizes it implies devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, then they are basically deciding whether they want to be helped to change or not.

Subrosa:

One cannot simply wear a scapular and be saved from damnation. It doesn’t work that way. …

True:
*
Pius XII also wrote: “But not for this reason, however, may they who wear the Scapular think that they can gain eternal salvation while remaining sinful and negligent of spirit, for the Apostle warns us: ‘In fear and trembling shall you work out your salvation.’ (Phil 2:12)”

(letter to the major superiors of the Carmelites, on the 700th anniversary of the vision)
*

Thank you again for making clear where the focus is meant to be.

hurst

 

[DavidB]

Subrosa:

Dave -

A person wearing a scapular is such a conservative that this person would understand the implication of mortal sin. As such this person will have confessed properly. Also, this person must be a member of the Carmelites, or the promise does not apply.

Besides that, a person who is in a state of mortal sin would (most likely) not be wearing a scapular. That person simply would not have any concept of it or respect for it.

The point is that wearing a scapular is an act of devotion. It’s like going to church. It is something one does in order to maintain thier faith. It is an outward sign of devotion and conviction.

The Brown scapular is not a magic charm that protects you, an automatic guarantee of salvation or an excuse for not living up to christian standards. It is a sign which has been approved by the church. It stands for a persons decision to follow Jesus as Mary did, open oneself to God, be guided by faith, hope and love. It is a devotion to prayer and an openness to find God in all events in our lives.

BTW, What do you think mortal sins are? (A real question) Can you give any examples?

Subrosa

Subrisa,

I’d just like to say ‘thanks’ for taking the time to help me understand better. I know it takes time to think and type these responses, and I wanted to you know I appreciate your efforts.

With respect to mortal sins, I read the list of Catholic mortal sins posted earlier in this thread. I’m also familiar with what the early church considered mortal sins. Augustine described mortal sins as murder, adultery, homosexuality and such “abdominable things”. Of the 2 lists, I’m much more aligned with the early church’s version, though I recognize the modern list is necessary to cover moral issues never before encountered such as invitro fertilization. So in the end, I guess my list would be the early church’s plus a number from the modern list, but not all. I would exclude things such as missing Mass on a Sunday, failure to believe in all doctrines and dogmas (why should someone who believes Mary was not sinless go to Hell?), failure to fast on certain days, thinking lustful thoughts, etc. There are a number of similar sins that just don’t elevate themselves to something “abominable”. To me, they are at most venial and do not require priestly absolution for forgiveness, a simply prayer with true contrition. If I were to guess, I would think they were added as a way to control the congregation to obey the rules.

I’ve enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks.

David

 

[DavidB]

I’m glad to see you have a sense of humor. It always helps.

I didn’t think what you wrote implied that you were a chauvinist, but I did think that what you wrote about Mary shows you have little understanding of motherhood.

I’m a mommy. (Gee, could you guess?) When pregnant, I can’t go anywhere without the child in my womb. After the baby is born, the child will continue to be with me. I have older children, but even when they are no longer by my side constantly, they are always in my heart.

When I think of devotion to Mary, I think of how she can’t go anywhere without also bringing Jesus. In bringing us Jesus, she brings us salvation. She is more than just a sister in faith–she is the mother of Our Savior.

Hi gardenswithkids,

As a father of 3 young boys, I’m somewhat familiar with at least the paternal side of that equation. And I understand what you are saying. But I also suspect that the line of reasoning you are applying is one of the reasons I believe that devotion to Mary has gone so overboard recently, somuchso, that many are elevating Mary to a place almost on par with the Trinity. The terms Mediatrix, Co-Redeemer, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, etc are all built on a foundation that creeps ever higher in it’s scope and reach. When people such as hurst on this thread start calling Mary their “Salvation” and “Advocate”, then we have a big problem.

I have no problem with honoring Mary in equal terms with the Apostles and martyrs, she deserves it. But there was a very good reason that Jesus deliberately dealt with Mary’s arrival one day by saying (Matt 12) “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”. I don’t view this verse as a rebuke or denial of Mary as some Protestants might. Instead, I see this as a deliberate move on Jesus’ part to not allow his disciples to elevate Mary beyond her true status, which is a temptation of human nature. He did it again when he replied in Luke 11 to the woman who called out “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Again, he diverts attention away from Mary refocusing the disciples attention to Jesus and the Kingdom. I find these scriptures combined with the way Mary is dealt with in the epistles and early church writings, specifically, that little if anything is said about her, to paint a picture that we should grasp and use today. In other words, honor Mary for what God did through her and her obedience to God, but do not magnify her purpose or role and absolutely do not refocus your eyes from Jesus to her, which is what is happening too often today.

That pretty much summarizes my view of Mary in a nutshell and what I believe to be the view of the early church. It’s also why I pop into threads like these trying to instill a voice of correction and warning. I love and respect my Catholic brothers and sisters and I hate to see them walking down this misguided path when they have such as long, rich tradition in the Truth. I’ll stop my railing here.

David

 

[hurst]

DavidB:

…
That pretty much summarizes my view of Mary in a nutshell …

Thank you for sharing your views and listening to ours. Although I do not rejoice that you reject obedience to the Church and its teaching, I also recognize that God loves a cheerful giver, and it is better not to awaken love before it pleases.

Still, I would like to point out, for the benefit of other readers, that you have missed something about the Blessed Virgin. You seem to have missed the praise God gave her through the archangel and Elizabeth! You also seem to miss that Christ humbled Himself also. Just as He was glorified by His Father, so is she now glorified in her Son. She is the preeminent Christian and follower of Christ, yet you think focusing on her leads away from Christ? Not any more than focusing on Christ leads away from the Father.

Wouldn’t you agree that she would at a minimum share the following with St. Paul?

Galatians 2:20 And I live, now not I; but Christ liveth in me.

2 Corinthians 12:15 But I most gladly will spend and be spent myself for your souls; although loving you more, I be loved less.

1 Thess 2:10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and without blame, we have been to you that have believed: 11 As you know in what manner, entreating and comforting you, (as a father doth his children,)

Perhaps it boils down to whether you trust yourself so much to be able to bring yourself to Christ on your own power, and persevere therein.

I prefer to focus on Mary intently, clinging to her, knowing I will soon find myself in the presence of Christ, closer than I could have (or would have) brought myself.

Another reason I love Mary so much, is because she has actually helped me. Now, consider the following:

Luke 7:41 A certain creditor had two debtors, the one who owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most?

I cannot blame you for not loving her as much. You don’t see yourself in too much debt. Your view on mortal sin in the previous post makes that apparent:

DavidB:

…
I guess my list would be the early church’s plus a number from the modern list, but not all. I would exclude things such as missing Mass on a Sunday, failure to believe in all doctrines and dogmas … There are a number of similar sins that just don’t elevate themselves to something “abominable”. To me, they are at most venial and do not require priestly absolution for forgiveness, a simply prayer with true contrition.

Meanwhile, you are popping in to make sure people aren’t getting too close to her.

DavidB:

… It’s also why I pop into threads like these trying to instill a voice of correction and warning.

Yet, the Church itself does encourage and promote love for Mary, and saints have said it is impossible to praise her too much.

You remind me of certain characters in the Bible who complained about people loving Jesus too much, only you apply it to Mary.

She is not seeking her own glory, and for that very reason, God lifted her up.

Matt 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Therefore, so will I, and will encourage everyone else to love her and praise her, too. In praising and loving the Blessed Virgin Mary, praise and love for Christ is magnified.

Luke 1:46 And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord.

hurst

 

[Subrosa]

Hey Dave -

Have you seen this? Please read it and get back to us. Take your time, it’s pretty lengthy.

anglicancommunion.org/ecumenical/dialogues/rc/arcic/mary/site.cfm%between%

Thanks,
Subrosa

 

[DavidB]

Subrosa:

Hey Dave -

Have you seen this? Please read it and get back to us. Take your time, it’s pretty lengthy.

anglicancommunion.org/ecumenical/dialogues/rc/arcic/mary/site.cfm

Thanks,
Subrosa

That’s a nice summary of the Anglican beliefs, Subroa. But as I mentioned, I’m not Anglican. My denomination is not related. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see many in my denomination having a devotion to Mary. In fact, I know a number that pray the Rosary. I believe our official position is like the Orthodox that allow the devotion, but do not elevate it to dogma or doctrine, so you’re free to believe or not without fear or mortal sin.

David

 

[John_Henry]

Sir Knight:

Need help addressing this … … I know that I will find no mention of the Brown Scapular in the bible but are there any passages that I can use to support the promises made by Our Lady and that “the work of Christ WASN’T replaced by a piece of cloth”?

Simple. Wearing the scapular is one part of a whole commitment to follow Jesus Christ as our Lady did. Wearing a scapular is a concrete act that reminds us of the commitment we have made to follow Jesus. It ain’t magic. If you wear a scapular and commit all sorts of atrocities, you will not go to heaven. But, if you wear a scapular, as you are supposed to do, then “eternal fire” will not touch you. Why? Not because you wore the scapular, but because the scapular was just one tool that helped remind you of the commitment you made to follw Christ at all times.

It’s like a wedding ring. A ring won’t ensure your marriage won’t break up. Except in the sense that it functions as a reminder of the vows you made.

 

[Subrosa]

DavidB:

But as I mentioned, I’m not Anglican. My denomination is not related.
David

Ok Dave, fill me in. I though Episcopals were Anglican by a different name. Help me out here.

Subrosa

 

[DavidB]

Subrosa:

Ok Dave, fill me in. I though Episcopals were Anglican by a different name. Help me out here.

Subrosa

Sorry for the confusion. The Charismatic Episopal Church is a denomination completely unrelated to the Episcopal Church. They have “Episcopal” in their name only to denote the form of government (by bishops) they adhere to. We are a relatively new denomination, formed by charismatic/pentecostals who discovered the reality of the priesthood and sacraments. Here’s the website if you’d like to learn more → www.iccec.org

David

 

[Subrosa]

DavidB:

Sorry for the confusion. The Charismatic Episopal Church is a denomination completely unrelated to the Episcopal Church. They have “Episcopal” in their name only to denote the form of government (by bishops) they adhere to. We are a relatively new denomination, formed by charismatic/pentecostals who discovered the reality of the priesthood and sacraments. Here’s the website if you’d like to learn more → www.iccec.org

David

Interesting, Dave, I must admit it. Does your bishop have apostolic succession? Are the ordinations considered valid by the other major christian institutions? Are there ecumenical relationships with other institutions, such as the Roman Catholic or Angican churches?

I’ll read more, but it’s good to ask.
Subrosa

 

[Subrosa]

Subrosa:

Interesting, Dave, I must admit it. Does your bishop have apostolic succession? Are the ordinations considered valid by the other major christian institutions? Are there ecumenical relationships with other institutions, such as the Roman Catholic or Angican churches?

I’ll read more, but it’s good to ask.
Subrosa

One more thing - could you discribe the liturgy of The Charismatic Episopal Church? I could not find anything about it on the website.

Thanks,
Subrosa

 

[Subrosa]

hurst:

Thank you again for making clear where the focus is meant to be.

hurst

You are certainly welcome, Mr. Hurst. I should have bee more clear the first time.

The peace of Christ be with you,
Subrosa

 

[hurst]

John_Henry:

…
But, if you wear a scapular, as you are supposed to do, then “eternal fire” will not touch you. Why? Not because you wore the scapular, but because the scapular was just one tool that helped remind you of the commitment you made to follw Christ at all times.

It is more than just a reminder of your own committment. It is fulfilling a condition in order to obtain a promised grace. In that sense, it is a reminder of a committment made to you. It is a real help towards fulfilling your own committment to persevere in the grace of God.

(From a Carmelite Monastery pamphlet)
The Church teaches us to believe that those who hold an intimate and faithful devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary will be particularly blessed by her. Thus the wearing of her brown scapular signifies a pledge on our part and a promise on hers. Placing us under her protection, it becomes an aid throughout life to help us maintain the virtues of our vocations. As an outward profession of dedication and trust in Mary, it necessarily calls down special grace, for she would share the sentiments of her Son who said: “If anyone openly declares himself for Me in the presence of men, the Son of Man will declare Himself for him in the presence of God’s angels.” (Luke 12:8)

Also, it is a sacramental.

What is a Sacramental?

A sacramental is anything set apart by the Church to excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these movements of the heart, to remit venial sin.

Is it the sacramental itself that gives grace?

No, it is not the sacramental itself that gives grace, but the devotion, the love of God, or the sorrow for sin that it inspires. In using the sacramentals, the more devotion we have, the more grace we receive.

Concerning the remission of sin:

One of the most remarkable effects of sacramentals is the virtue to drive away evil spirits whose mysterious and baleful operations affect sometimes the physical activity of man. To combat this occult power the Church has recourse to exorcism and sacramentals. Another effect is the delivery of the soul from sin and the penalties therefor. Thus in the blessing of a cross the Church asks that this sacred sign may receive the heavenly blessing in order that all those who kneel before it and implore the Divine Majesty may be granted great compunction and a general pardon of faults committed. This means remission of venial sins, for the sacraments alone, with perfect contrition, possess the efficacy to remit mortal sins and to release from the penalties attached to them. St. Thomas is explicit on this point: “The episcopal blessing, the aspersion of holy water, every sacramental unction, prayer in a dedicated church, and the like, effect the remission of venial sins, implicitly or explicitly” (Summa III, Q. lxxxvii, a. 3, ad 1um).
newadvent.org/cathen/13292d.htm

Notice that as a sacramental, the Brown Scapular does not remit mortal sin by itself. However, it inspires compunction, leading one to seek confession if they are in mortal sin. Part of Our Lady’s promise would include obtaining for them the grace of making their confession, if possible. This is borne out in the various accounts of miracles associated with the Brown Scapular.

I hope this makes things even clearer.

hurst