Scapular Promises

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Correct me if I’m wrong, but is one of the Scapular promises that if you’re wearing one when you die you won’t go to hell? This seems a little crazy to me. What if some horrible person who is completely separated from God by sin is wearing a Scapular at the time of their death? Would they not go to hell?
 
The scapular is not a magic cloth. When someone makes the decision to wear the scapular and is invested in it by a priest, he is knowingly putting himself under the special protection of Our Lady. Our Lady has said, “Wear the Scapular devoutly and perseveringly. It is My garment. To be clothed in it means you are continually thinking of Me, and I in turn, am always thinking of you and helping you to secure eternal life.” When the priest in enrolling someone in the scapular, he says, “Receive this blessed Scapular and ask the most holy Virgin that, by Her merits, it may be worn with no stain of sin…”

Our Lady has also said, “Take this Scapular. Whosoever dies wearing it shall not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace.”

Many conversions have been brought about just by having someone wear it, including non-Catholics. So if some horrible person were wearing it at the time of his death, I suspect he might be converted even before his death. Only God can really answer your question though.

According to the little booklet I have on the scapular, Garment of Grace, when a non-Catholic wears the scapular, he will “receive many graces and blessings with this special sign of devotion to the Mother of God. Although baptized Catholics are the only ones who can be officially enrolled in the Confraternity and share in the special Scapular privileges, non-Catholics are warmly encouraged to avail themselves of this special way of honoring Jesus’ Mother.”

To read many miracles of the scapular, check out Garment of Grace. It’s published by The Immaculate Heart Publications in USA: Box 1028, Buffalo, New York 14205. You can also call 1-800-263-8160. Google “scapular.” I’m sure you’ll find plenty online too.
 
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Authorkat:
According to the little booklet I have on the scapular, Garment of Grace, when a non-Catholic wears the scapular, he will “receive many graces and blessings with this special sign of devotion to the Mother of God. Although baptized Catholics are the only ones who can be officially enrolled in the Confraternity and share in the special Scapular privileges, non-Catholics are warmly encouraged to avail themselves of this special way of honoring Jesus’ Mother.”(End of Quote).

Hello Everyone

In the 1980’s,when i was working away from home,i missed a visit from a Missionary priest at my home parish.However,my sister told me of the talk given by this priest about a young woman deciding to break up with her non-catholic boy friend and
she left him with one half of a Brown Scapular while she kept the other half.Yes,you’ve guessed it.At the end of his talk the priest held up his half of that Scapular.
Personally,i can’t seem to keep a Brown Scapular intact.When i have to put a shirt on over my head,my hand tends to catch in the Scapular and it snaps.

To read many miracles of the scapular, check out Garment of Grace. It’s published by The Immaculate Heart Publications in USA: Box 1028, Buffalo, New York 14205. You can also call 1-800-263-8160. Google “scapular.” I’m sure you’ll find plenty online too.
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Several of my Carmlite friends have told me stories about this issue. The short answer is they won’t die with it on. There have been many instances where unworthy persons were wearing the Scapular and it began to burn as if on fire they had to rip it off and did so just before being killed in an accident.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
Several of my Carmlite friends have told me stories about this issue. The short answer is they won’t die with it on. There have been many instances where unworthy persons were wearing the Scapular and it began to burn as if on fire they had to rip it off and did so just before being killed in an accident.
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What if the person’s a quadriplegic and couldn’t rip it off? Just in theory, what would happen?
 
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Juxtaposer:
Correct me if I’m wrong, but is one of the Scapular promises that if you’re wearing one when you die you won’t go to hell? This seems a little crazy to me. What if some horrible person who is completely separated from God by sin is wearing a Scapular at the time of their death? Would they not go to hell?
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Those who are unworthy and do not wear the Scapular with a true devotion but wear it for insurance while they live a sacrilegious life will mysteriously find themselves without it at their hour of death.

There are many stories like - nurses taking them off etc. etc.

These are God’s ways - anything is possible even if you are a quadriplegic
 
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Mandi:
Those who are unworthy and do not wear the Scapular with a true devotion but wear it for insurance while they live a sacrilegious life will mysteriously find themselves without it at their hour of death.

There are many stories like - nurses taking them off etc. etc.

These are God’s ways - anything is possible even if you are a quadriplegic
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Ok then… let’s say that someone unworthy of the Scapular is encased in cement with the Scapular on and they die. What then? Also, if the promise is only for the worthy (aka the ones who wouldn’t go to hell anyway) why the need for that promise in the first place?
 
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Juxtaposer:
Ok then… let’s say that someone unworthy of the Scapular is encased in cement with the Scapular on and they die. What then? Also, if the promise is only for the worthy (aka the ones who wouldn’t go to hell anyway) why the need for that promise in the first place?
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I think maybe you misunderstand the promise.

First of all lets forget the cement nonsense, it is suffice to say that if God wills it, it will be so no matter what the circumstance.

Back to the promise. The hour of our death is the most important hour of our life. It is Satan’s last hour to win your soul. It is noted that during that hour he will try everything and anything to get your to renounce your faith. This is why when we pray “The Hail Mary” We say “now and at the hour of our death”. That is how important this hour is. As a mere mortal we are subject to sin - everyday of our lives, even when we try to live 100% according to God. So on our deathbed we call upon Mary to be with us as she promised (through our devotion). She will ensure that a priest is at our bedside (if needed) and she will keep the devil at bay. This is what we are asking when we wear her scapular.
 
So the promise is that at the hour of your death, Mary will help keep Satan away from you through prayer?
 
In the Garment of Grace booklet there is an interesting miracle where there were 6 or 7 men condemned to die by firing squad. A priest came in and wanted to hear their confessions, prepare them for death and enroll them in the scapular if they wished. One of the men was very blashemous and sarcastic and wouldn’t repent. The others did repent and were enrolled.

The next day when they were led to the firing squad the one unrepentant man wanted the scapular and the priest gave it to him.
Interestingly enough after they were shot the unrepentant man’s scapular was found a significant distance from him. He had not died with it on. I am reminded that “God will not be mocked.”

The scapular devotion is very beautiful but individuals should be made aware that we all are seeking salvation in fear and trembling. I wear my scapular as a pledge of the Honor I show Our Lady and I trust and hope in the Lord for the rest.
 
Hi again, I just thought I’d post a modern day story. A little background here is in order. We all know that there is a war going on for each soul. During the last hours of our life the devil and his foes try very hard to make us despair and not trust in God.

I read that St. Frances Yepes was told to take off his scapular because no one who dies with it on does not die impiously. They mentioned that they hate the scapular.

Now the story: A friend of mine found herself the only person visiting her husband’s grandfather on his deathbed as he was in his last agony. She said she prayed the entire rosary and the mercy chaplet for him. She mentioned to me that his eyes were brown but that his eyes were clouded over and looked blue and you could tell he was in his last agony.

When she finished praying she felt the urge to place her scapular on him. She told me she prayed to God and told him that she knew this wasn’t a talisman or anything, but that she was asking for grace and mercy for him. The moment she placed it on his body his entire body jumped. She was so afraid she caused him pain, but his eyes became unclouded and he seemed to be relaxing and much relieved. A few minutes later he took his last breath and died peacefully.

When the nurse came in she asked her if she had caused him any pain. The nurse told her no that he was on too many pain killers. Later my friend realized through prayer that what had happened is that God had driven back the evil that was enveloping him and granted him peace. I realize that this is all speculation on her part, yet others who have experience with dying persons have told me they have seen this happen again and again when faithful people pray for dying souls. The rosary has also been shown to me to be an instrument when placed on the dying of intercession for the person.

God allows us to use physical as well as spiritual helps along with our faith.

For those who believe all things are possible.
 
So is the Scapular not actually doing anything, but a sign of devotion? By this devotion then, Mary intercedes for us to Jesus and this is how the wearer of the Scapular is saved?
 
Why is it needed though? Why not just believe in Jesus since the Bible says “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom 10:9 I hope to live my entire life devoted to Jesus, including my last hour and I believe this is only accomplished with the help of the Holy Spirit, the one Jesus said would be my comforter. As a soon to be convert, I finanlly get it that Catholics don’t want Mary to take the place of God… they only ask her to pray for them just like I would ask my best friend to pray for me. And since I wouldn’t expect my best friend, (who is a great Christian by the way) to be able to promise me eternal life - how could anyone expect Mary to make that promise?? Isn’t it only God who deems us worthy based on our belief in his Son?
 
Juxtaposer,

Yes, I think it does seem like a contradiction in terms, like a lucky piece or something. This is how I view it. As I wear my scapular, I am reminded daily of my love of God. I love Mary, too, but differently. I think of her as my mother holding my hand and not letting me stray too far off the path to her son. If the scapular simply becomes a ticket to heaven, it is really no different from those who feel that have assured salvation because they have made an intellectual assent to Jesus Christ. Our faith and our salvation always requires action. And the scapular is another little help to nudge me along.

Your question really made me think though. Could someone more knowledgeable than I comment on the efficacy and/or propriety of putting a scapular on a dying non-Catholic without his knowledge? In the story of the grandfather, I surmised he was probably Catholic since the granddaughter was. Thanks.
 
carol marie:
Why is it needed though? Why not just believe in Jesus since the Bible says “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
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A scapular is only one form of a sacramental. We use sacramentals to increase faith. A seed must have proper conditions before it can grow. It must be planted in good soil from which it can draw nourishment, air, moisture and sunlight. Faith is the same - it is not enough to just plant the seed. Sacramentals strengthen our faith and protect ourselves with the use of holy signs. - I don’t have time right now to explain this further - I will do it tomorrow.
Catholics don’t want Mary to take the place of God… they only ask her to pray for them just like I would ask my best friend to pray for me. And since I wouldn’t expect my best friend, (who is a great Christian by the way) to be able to promise me eternal life - how could anyone expect Mary to make that promise?? Isn’t it only God who deems us worthy based on our belief in his Son?
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Yes this is true, but Mary is more than the best friend of Jesus, she is the Mother of God. God who is all Just and Merciful, where as Mary is all Merciful and loves with a mothers heart. Would you not want the Mother of the Most High to plead your case for you? When it is her words that are sweet music to His ears (not your sinful ones) and to her who The Most High has said “I will deny you nothing.”
 
In most instances the only requirement to receive any benefit from the use of a sacramental is to have been Baptized. The benefit received would depend on the dispostition of the persons soul. Some benefit could also be received in the form of Actual Grace for those who are not Baptized.
 
Bro. Rich,

I have reread your message several times and I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. What does the disposition of one’s soul mean and what is an “Actual Grace?” Thank you.
 
Sorry, thought of one more question… you guys keep refering to the scapular as sacremental. Do you mean like the sacremtents ? As a Lutheran we have baptism & communion - those are sacrements I’m thinking, and I know Catholics have more sacrements like marriage and something like last rites (?) So is the wearing of the scapular another sacrement? If I sound confused it’s because I am… :confused:
 
carol marie:
Sorry, thought of one more question… you guys keep refering to the scapular as sacremental. Do you mean like the sacremtents ? As a Lutheran we have baptism & communion - those are sacrements I’m thinking, and I know Catholics have more sacrements like marriage and something like last rites (?) So is the wearing of the scapular another sacrement? If I sound confused it’s because I am… :confused:
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A Sacrament (which the church has 7) is one of the visible signs to which our Lord has given the power to confer grace, to indicate the grace it confers, and to let us know that at the moment of receiving the sign we are made partakers of that grace. The basic Catechism definition is

“A sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ to give grace.”

A sacramental is like the holy tools of the Church, e.g. holy water, bless crucifixes, statues & pictures, bless palms, rosaries etc. We receive Actual grace when we use sacramentals. Actual grace is received by doing a salutary action. It comes and goes with the action but it leads to santifying grace.
 
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