Bible Dictionaries
Scapular

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

(Latin: scapula, shoulder-blade)

A sacramental worn as a badge of a religious confraternity. It consists of two pieces of cloth, one of which is worn on the breast and the other on the back, with bands or strings passing over the shoulders. A scapular gives its wearer a share in the merits and spiritual benefits of the association of which it is the badge. In certain religious orders an outer garment called, a scapular is worn; it consists of a long piece of cloth hanging from the shoulders before and behind, almost to the ground. In the Middle Ages, lay persons were often permitted to become "oblates" of these orders, that is, they assisted frequently at the monastic services and had a share in the merits of the order; they were allowed to wear the scapular, which, after a time, was made smaller and was worn under the clothing. Certain associations of the laity are known as Third Orders, and the members wear the large scapular (about 5 by 2.5 inches); other societies wear the small scapular (about 2.25 by 2 inches). The rules concerning scapulars are:

• the investing must be done by an authorized person
• the scapular may be given in any place, to any Catholic, even to an infant
• it must be worn as described above
• if replaced, no blessing is required
• if it is laid aside for a considerable time, the benefits are forfeited during that time

The Church has approved 18 kinds of scapulars:

• Scapular of Mount Carmel
• Scapular of Our Lady of Ransom
• Scapular of Saint Benedict
• Scapular of Saint Dominic
• Scapular of Saint Joseph
• Scapular of Saint Michael the Archangel
• Scapular of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
• Scapular of the Help of the Sick
• Scapular of the Holy Face
• Scapular of the Immaculate Conception
• Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
• Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity
• Scapular of the Mother of Good Counsel
• Scapular of the Passion (black)
• Scapular of the Passion (red)
• Scapular of the Precious Blood
• Scapular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Scapular of the Seven Dolors