How to wear a scapular

[JLCecilia]

I know that probably the proper practice is around the neck (on the shoulders, chest and back). What I’m wondering is if it’s a sacrilege to wear it on my wrist.

When I wear it around my neck, I am constantly fidgeting with it and it rides up and tangles. I don’t mean to sound obnoxious, just honestly asking.

Thank you.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I know that probably the proper practice is around the neck (on the shoulders, chest and back). What I’m wondering is if it’s a sacrilege to wear it on my wrist.

When I wear it around my neck, I am constantly fidgeting with it and it rides up and tangles. I don’t mean to sound obnoxious, just honestly asking.

Thank you.

I would suggest that you look into getting a scapular medal though I am of the opinion that a scapular medal is only for those who are allergic to the fabric of a cloth scapular.

A scapular that the laity wears is a very miniaturized version of the scapular that is worn as part of the habit of a religious.

Here is a website that shows the parts of the Carmelite Habit. The scapular is the second picture. Could we wear this around our wrists?

Again, all this is just my opinion but you did ask.

 

[MS_SURVEYOR]

The Brown Scapular of Carmel

*Enrollment

The promises of salvation and deliverance from Purgatory apply to those who die wearing either the large Scapular of the Carmelite habit, the small Scapular, or the Scapular Medal. Anyone wishing to join the Confraternity must be properly enrolled by a priest who has the faculties to do so. Most priests receive this power with the general faculties they acquire from their diocese. Those who are enrolled remain Confraternity members for life and if anyone should fail to wear the Scapular, even for an extended period, there is no need for a re-enrollment in the Confraternity. Also, new Scapulars need not be blessed if the wearer has already been enrolled. In cases of emergency, during war for instance, soldiers and sailors are officially received into the Confraternity by simply wearing the Scapular and reciting some prayers to Our Lady, such as three Hail Marys.

There are a few guidelines pertaining to the small scapular itself which should be observed in addition to the enrollment requirements.

*** The Scapular must be made of woven wool.**
* Its color may be any shade between brown and black, but preferably brown.
* It must be two rectangular shaped pieces of the cloth connected by cord, string, or chain.
*** It must be worn over the shoulder to rest on the front and back of the body.**
* It may be decorated with pictures or designs but this is not necessary.

 

[MS_SURVEYOR]

*The Scapular Medal

Early this century missionaries petitioned Rome to allow a Medal to be used instead of the cloth Scapular. Those who made this request were stationed in tropical regions and had considerable trouble preserving their Scapulars from decaying in the excessive humidity. After careful consideration, Pope Saint Pius X, in 1910, granted permission for the use of a Scapular Medal. It was to have an image of the Sacred Heart on one side and an image of Our Lady on the other and would possess the same promises and indulgences as the Brown Scapular. The Medal’s usage, however, was to be restricted. Saint Pius added explicitly to his consent that for ordinary circumstances, “I desire most vehemently that the cloth Scapulars be worn as heretofore.”*

 

[aluked04]

The Brown Scapular of Carmel

*Enrollment

The promises of salvation and deliverance from Purgatory apply to those who die wearing either the large Scapular of the Carmelite habit, the small Scapular, or the Scapular Medal. Anyone wishing to join the Confraternity must be properly enrolled by a priest who has the faculties to do so. Most priests receive this power with the general faculties they acquire from their diocese. Those who are enrolled remain Confraternity members for life and if anyone should fail to wear the Scapular, even for an extended period, there is no need for a re-enrollment in the Confraternity. Also, new Scapulars need not be blessed if the wearer has already been enrolled. In cases of emergency, during war for instance, soldiers and sailors are officially received into the Confraternity by simply wearing the Scapular and reciting some prayers to Our Lady, such as three Hail Marys.

There are a few guidelines pertaining to the small scapular itself which should be observed in addition to the enrollment requirements.

*** The Scapular must be made of woven wool.***
* Its color may be any shade between brown and black, but preferably brown.
* It must be two rectangular shaped pieces of the cloth connected by cord, string, or chain.
*** It must be worn over the shoulder to rest on the front and back of the body.**
* It may be decorated with pictures or designs but this is not necessary.

My scapular is attached by a metal chain. I think that is still acceptable, yes?

 

[MS_SURVEYOR]

My scapular is attached by a metal chain. I think that is still acceptable, yes?

*Practical information
The Scapular encourages us to live as authentic Christians in line with the teaching of the
Gospel, to receive the sacraments, to profess our special devotion to the Blessed Virgin, which
should be expressed each day, at least by saying the Hail Mary.

The Scapular must be made of cloth and worn over the shoulders by cloth or a cord or a chain.
It may not be pinned or fastened to clothing as a replacement for wearing it over the shoulders.
In necessary cases, such as in missions, the scapular medal may be worn instead. However,
**if the scapular medal is worn for insufficient reason, such as vanity or convenience, the wearer
runs the risk of not receiving the benefit of the promise.

---

Brown Scapular FAQ’s

 

[JLCecilia]

Precisely what I thought - thank you for the clarification. I will alter my wearing habit to fit the wisdom of Church teaching.

Second question - if I choose to wear holy medals, is it permissible to attach them to my scapular or must I wear them separately on a chain?

Again, thank you for all of the help!

 

[brigid12]

Precisely what I thought - thank you for the clarification. I will alter my wearing habit to fit the wisdom of Church teaching.

Second question - if I choose to wear holy medals, is it permissible to attach them to my scapular or must I wear them separately on a chain?

Again, thank you for all of the help!

It is quite permissible to attach them to attach them to your scapular.

 

[Blenderx]

This might be a silly question, but is it okay to put a knot in the cord, to shorten it and keep it from riding up?

 

[puzzleannie]

I
When I wear it around my neck, I am constantly fidgeting with it and it rides up and tangles. I don’t mean to sound obnoxious, just honestly asking.

Thank you.

people have been dealing successfully with this for centuries so I am sure you will figure it out. you can wear it on your wrist or keep it in your purse but then it is not being worn as a scapular which by definition is worn over the shoulders. your object should be for the sacramental to remind of the devotion, not to make its use verge on the superstitious.