Scapular

A scapular (from Latin scapularium " one shoulder dress ") is a union over the tunic a habit. It consists of a front and back almost to the floor reaching cloth that something is usually continuous straight or on the shoulders broad and Saumhöhe slightly narrower. Sometimes it is above the cincture worn (eg Benedictines, Carmelites, Carthusians ), sometimes less ( eg Trappist, Premonstratensian ).

The Scapular as part of religious garb

These scapulars, also known as " large scapulars " belong to the habit of most religious communities; the Benedictines, Cistercians, Trappists, Carthusians, Carmelites, Dominicans, Premonstratensian and Cross Men wear a habit with scapular; Since the late Middle Ages, the Scapular also belongs to the habit of the nuns. In some places, a bit shorter or a white scapular is given to the garment, which is then exchanged for the first profession to one in the way it bear the other professed.

The purpose of the Scapular, which is a sacramental, is spiritual in nature, it symbolizes the " yoke of Christ ": " Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am meek and humble of heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke and my burden is light. " (Mt 11:29-30 EU).

The small scapulars

The small scapulars derive from the scapulars of the Third Order, which in turn derived from a shortened form of the great Skapulieres, the members used to wear monastic orders earlier during the night. The small scapulars consist of two, made ​​of fabric (usually wool) in the color of the Habits of the Congregation made ​​quadrilaterals, which are connected by two cords together so that each one on the chest and one is worn on the back. The size of the pieces of fabric varies; some are smaller than a postage stamp, others up to 10 cm tall. Often small images, such as of the heart of Jesus or of the Blessed Mother are mounted on the scapulars.

Of the various small scapulars is the Scapular of Carmel, called " the brown scapular " or simply " the scapular ", the best known. Its distribution is largely thanks to a promise of the Virgin Mary, stating that whoever dies clothed in this Scapular, did not have to suffer the fires of hell. This promise was given according to tradition, Simon Stock, a Carmelite of the 13th century, is recognized by the Catholic Church. Got it so that the intercession of Mary preserved usually the Skapulierträger either before the grave sin or it moves in time to turn back. The Karmelskapulier must be connected by a priest according to ecclesiastical rule, however, membership in a Skapulierbruderschaft is no longer mandatory. However, such brotherhoods still exist and are led by Carmelites. Except for the brown scapular, there are several other, by the Catholic Church as sacramentals approved scapulars, about the white scapular of the Trinitarians, the red Passionsskapulier, the black Passionsskapulier and the blue scapular of the Immaculate Conception.

Also to mention is the fivefold scapular: the brown, the white, the red, the black and blue scapular are sewn together to form a - usually is the white scapular of the Trinitarians on top. This allows the carrier to participate in the treasure of grace all these five scapulars. The five-fold scapular has been approved as every single one of them by the Holy See.

The Skapuliermedaille

Each of the small scapulars, after it has been opened in a ritual by a priest, to be replaced by a Skapuliermedaille. Reasons for this may extreme heat, humidity, allergy to wool and the like. This Skapuliermedaille was approved by Pope Pius X, showing on one side the Heart of Jesus and on the other side of the Mother of God, often of the Scapular in her hand. Nevertheless, he showed himself and Pope Benedict XVI. out that the Scapular in preference to a medal should be given, as the substance is the visible sign that connect with the Scapular of the Order.