Scapular cord has unraveled, what to do now?

[marniejane]

Hi!

I’m just after some advice. The cord on my scapular has unraveled on one side. What should I do? Should I buy another one? Do I bury it or keep it? If keeping, where would i keep it? Can I replace the cord? It was my first scapular, too.

Thanks

 

[Elias]

Tradition says to bury or incinerate a worn out scapular and get a new one. If you can repair it you can but, imo, it’s easier to just replace it.

 

[Pattylt]

I’d add that replacement cords are available online and pretty inexpensive. I have several types, colors and weights for making jewelry. If the cord looks like you can just change it out, then I’d do so as its probably got sentimental value to you.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

You are permitted to replace the cord. You may also choose to just buy a new scapular.

If necessary to dispose of the old scapular entirely, you may burn it or bury it, same as with all blessed objects (I assume you did have it blessed); don’t just throw it in the trash.

If you wish to keep the old scapular (like in hopes of getting it repaired, or because you’re sentimental) then just treat it reverently like you’d keep any other sacramental; put it nicely in your drawer or something, don’t just toss it in the junk drawer.

Note that if you have had the old scapular blessed (which happens naturally as part of you being invested in it, if you did a formal investment ceremony) then the blessing just transfers to any new scapulars you get. You do not need to get each one re-blessed. It is assumed that they will probably wear out and you will need to get new ones or more than one at a time.

 

[marniejane]

Ah that’s interesting, so I can simply buy another and I don’t need to have it re-blessed. I’ll try to replace the string but if it keeps breaking or I see another one, I’ll replace it. Thank you all for the helpful advice!

 

[NeedImprovement]

Quite some time ago I replaced a cord of one particular scapular I was wearing with a (thin) brown shoe lace (shoe laces are pretty long) when I was low on money and the cord was about to let go for the second time. (There was a time around 15 years ago where most of what was available through a religious items store in this area was a type of plastic-encased scapular [wasn’t interested in wearing one like that] ).

Anyhow, the shoelace lasted longer than the rest of the scapular. . .wasn’t quite as comfortable as the original cord, but did the job handsomely and didn’t break. . .always kept a spare “new” scapular on hand after that.
I am enrolled (invested) in the brown scapular, so , as Tis_Bearself has said, I never needed to have each new one I’ve worn blessed when the old one wears out.