More Brown Scapular questions... please help if you can

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Online_Knight

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I know there are many threads about scapulars already, but I need help with some specifics if anyone knows the answers for sure…
  1. Is it ok to trim fraying edges off of a scapular or does that signal a need to get a new one? What should be done with the trimmed threads?
  2. Does the cloth Brown Scapular have to have any specific picture or phrase on it as the scapular medal does? My current one has a simple cross on it but I would like my next one to be the Saint Joseph version if that is acceptable.
  3. Does the cord have to be of a certain material or color? I would like to cut off the flimsy cord and sew on something sturdier (like a round shoe-lace type of cord).
To those who can help me… thank you!
 
I’ll take a shot at answering your questions. 🙂 I’m not an expert or anything, but from what i understand:
  1. actually, I don’t have an answer for this first one (strike one 😛 ). I do hear that in general, sacramentals should be buried or burned.
  2. there isn’t any designated image for brown scapulars. I heard the Order actually prefers plain ones, though most do come with some sort of design.
  3. there also isn’t a specified color for the cord. as for material, I’ve seen ribbon, wool, even a simple chain. There are purists out there who say that the scapular must be 100% wool, though I haven’t seen any sort of official document on the matter.
Hope this helps!
 
We each wear a scapular and they are all different in terms of size, image, what the cord is made of. I imagine you could even make your own (after all someone makes them and it’s not always Carmelite nuns) and have it blessed. If you are enrolled, you don’t even need to get ‘replacement’ scapulars blessed. That said, I image you could trim the size or straggles on yours and change the cord. I wouldn’t just throw away the remians though if that scapular was blessed. Bury them in the backyard.
 
hi,

trimed material should be burned or buried. everything else sounds o. k.

God bless,

johnco
 
Online_Knight said:
…3. Does the cord have to be of a certain material or color? I would like to cut off the flimsy cord and sew on something sturdier (like a round shoe-lace type of cord).

To those who can help me… thank you!
Click to expand...
Go to a fabric store and get some cloth ribbon of the sort that is used to make spaghetti straps for women’s clothing. It will last practically forever as long as you do not hang any medals on your scapular’s ribbon, as this will abrade the ribbon. If you want to attach a medal to your scapular, I recommend sewing it on.

Be sure you get ribbon designed for clothing, as there is a similar-looking cloth ribbon intended for craft projects. It is not nearly as durable. It comes in all colors, including brown.
 
I know it seems like we are splitting hairs here… but does anyone know if the straps have to be wool too? Is there such a thing? I just always assumed that when they say it has to be wool, they are talking about the main part of the scapular.
 
Why not just purchase a new one, when the old one wears out? You can get them fairly inexpensively (about $6.00 each)… through EWTN or the Leaflet Missal Company…

ewtn.com/

leafletonline.com/

Also… I could certainly be wrong about this… (please correct me, if anyone knows for sure)… but I have heard that in the case of a worn out scapular, or rosary beads… that by simply cutting the item with a pair of scissors (or breaking the rosary beads)… you change it’s “identity” (in other words, a worn out scapular, which has been cut… is no longer a scapular, technically… but pieces of a scapular; that was my understanding, anyway). And afterwards, the old sacramental… can then be discarded. I would still hesitate, though… to toss it in the trash. I think I would agree… that burying it… would be a more respectful way.
 
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