Scapulars- req advice from Catholics

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
Scapulars- req advice from Catholics
7
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 10:14am

Folks, I recently decided to start wearing a scapular, so I bought one for myself and my husband. Even though I haven't been able to have mine blessed by a priest, I have been wearing it until I can. To the best of your guys' knowledge, do you still get the spiritual benefits of a scapular if it is not blessed?

Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 4:18pm

Welcome to the board Beth!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 6:32pm
beth, what is a scapular????????????? Love, Leila
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 7:56pm

What is a scapular?

First off, let me say that I personally don't consider them mere talismans (and was off-put for a bit that someone on here compared them to them, but only for a bit). The scapular is a Catholic holy object, which the Virgen Mary, in her apparition at Fatima, asked that we wear. Apparently, if a scapular is worn at the time of death, IN THE CORRECT SPIRIT, the wearer will not have to suffer the fires of hell.

Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2004
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 10:05pm

For some years the Carmelite Order had permission from Rome to grant laity the Indult to enroll people. This permission is no longer given, but those who received the Indult in the past still have it. So, while laity may not bless a scapular, there are some lay people who can invest others, with a scapular previously blessed by a priest or deacon.

Investing must be done with the cloth scapular. Those who wish to wear the medal can do so after investment. The scapular blessing attaches to each subsequent scapular. A new blessing isn't required. This is not true of the medal, each of which must be blessed by a priest or deacon.

I was brought up Catholic and have been Catholic most of my life. I now, however am no longer Catholic. I respect everyone's path no matter what it may be. There are many aspects of each religion that many have not been exposed to and while trying to understand may try to connect one aspect of one religion to another. No disrespect was meant and in my opinion some appreciation should be extended to anyone that tries to understand and learn about someone else's beliefs.

Try to keep an open mind, many great people are not Catholic, but they are trying to respect your beliefs.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 10:28pm

Beth, my dear, please don't be offended by the terms 'amulet' and 'talisman.'

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 10:58pm

Thank you for that response! I guess I was a bit quick to go on the defensive, because right now I am dealing with my husband's family, who think I am controlling and brainwashing him into practicing Catholicism (au contraire, he could stay home on Sunday mornings as far as I'm concerned, but he really does choose to practice! Enough about that). But instead of finding yet another person at war with my (and his) beliefs, I find someone who obviously wants to help. Again, thank you, and I am going to talk to the priest about the scapular on Sunday.

Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 04-01-2006 - 7:19pm

It's tough when you're on different paths than other family members.