Would it be disrespectful to cut the cord on a Scapular?

[gallo]

The reason is I have decided that I would like to start taking it with me when I kayak. I could just put one on underneath my PFD vest, but the cord is the concern. If it works out of the vest and I find myself in a very common situation of being under the water, there is a danger that the cord could be snagged or entangled causing a very unproductive outcome.

So the idea is to cut it off of the cord and sew it into the front and back of the vest.

Any thoughts?

 

[GEddie]

The reason is I have decided that I would like to start taking it with me when I kayak. I could just put one on underneath my PFD vest, but the cord is the concern. If it works out of the vest and I find myself in a very common situation of being under the water, there is a danger that the cord could be snagged or entangled causing a very unproductive outcome.

So the idea is to cut it off of the cord and sew it into the front and back of the vest.

Any thoughts?

You could do that. Or, simply get one of those smaller Scapulars with wooden tags and much thinner cord. In addition to being waterproof and fitting more closely to you, therefore less likely to get fouled, this version’s thin string would be easy to break if it did foul you.

ICXC NIKA!

 

[SophiaLector]

I agree with GEddie’s suggestions to get one more suited to your needs. But as far as the original question – I don’t think it would be disrespectful to the Scapular itself for you to shorten the cord. That’s a bit like asking if you should cut your child’s hair to keep it from getting yanked or torn out. The intention is not harm nor disrespect – it’s the exact opposite.

That said, I would ask a priest for his advice.

Peace!

 

[Shin]

The cord does form part of the scapular garb, so it does have to be there, I would suppose, for it to retain its form and significance.

Most scapulars I’ve seen have cords so weak that it is quite easy to snap them. Get one of these for the kayaking if you’re afraid of it hindering you…

Though most people do not in fact want them to come off in dangerous situations.

 

[Monica4316]

I read somewhere that the scapular should not be attached to clothing, but I don’t know…

 

[gallo]

The cord does form part of the scapular garb, so it does have to be there, I would suppose, for it to retain its form and significance.

Most scapulars I’ve seen have cords so weak that it is quite easy to snap them. Get one of these for the kayaking if you’re afraid of it hindering you…

Though most people do not in fact want them to come off in dangerous situations.

I know it seems kind of contradictory of part of the purpose of a scapular and my concern of the “danger” of it.

“Hindering” is not the word I would use. In whitewater kayaking, it is necessary to be able to “roll” the boat in case of tipping over. In an environment with jagged rocks, etc. a cord floating in the water, especially around my neck, would be a tragedy waiting to happen. Thus, the danger.

My concern was what was stated by you, Shin, that the cord is part of the scapular. However, I was uncertain of how much a part of it. Was it simply a “functional” part in order to keep it in place or part of the overall design with a significance. If it would just be functional, the PFD vest would then hold it in place. If there is a significance, the the PFD would not be acceptable as part of it.

Thank you for all the (name removed by moderator)ut. I’ll have to seek out a priest who takes the scapular seriously enough to give clear advice.