scapular

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Discalced Carmelites in Argentina with the characteristic scapular of the order

A scapular (from Latin scapularium "shoulder dress") is a throw over the tunic of a religious costume . It consists of a piece of cloth that extends almost to the floor at the front and back, which is usually straight throughout or slightly wider at the shoulders and slightly narrower at the hem level. Sometimes it is worn above the cingulate (e.g. Benedictines , Carmelites , Carthusians ), sometimes underneath (e.g. Trappists , Premonstratensians ).

The scapular as part of the vestments

These scapulars, also called "large scapulars", belong to the habit of most orders ; the Benedictines , Cistercians , Trappists , Carthusians , Carmelites , Dominicans , Premonstratensians and Lords of the Cross wear a habit with a scapular; Since the late Middle Ages , the scapular was also part of the habit of the nuns . In some places a somewhat shorter or even a white scapular is awarded for clothing , which is then exchanged for one in the same way as the other professed ones at the first profession .

The purpose of the scapular, which is a sacramental , is spiritual, it symbolizes the “yoke of Christ”: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am good and humble in heart; so you will find rest for your soul. Because my yoke does not pinch and my burden is light ”( Mt 11 : 29-30  EU ).

The little scapulars

The five-fold scapular, outside the red passion capular

The small scapulars are derived from the scapulars of the third order , which in turn are derived from a shortened form of the large scapular that members of monastic orders used to wear during the night. The small scapulars consist of two squares made of fabric (usually wool ) in the color of the habit of the religious order, which are connected by two cords so that one is carried on the chest and one 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 the Heart of Jesus or the Mother of God, are attached to the scapulars .

The brown scapular

Of the various small scapulars, the Carmel scapular , called "the brown scapular" or simply "the scapular", is the most famous. It owes its spread above all to a promise made by the Virgin Mary , which says that whoever dies wearing this scapular does not have to suffer the fire of hell. This promise, which tradition says was given to Simon Stock , a 13th century Carmelite, is recognized by the Catholic Church. It is generally understood to mean that Mary's intercession either protects the Scapular bearer from serious sin or moves him to repent in good time. According to church regulations, the Carmelite Capular must be presented by a priest , but membership in a Scapular Brotherhood is no longer mandatory.

In addition to the brown scapular, there are several other scapulars approved by the Catholic Church as sacramentals , such as the white Trinitarian scapular , the red passion capular, the black passion capular and the blue scapular of the Immaculate Conception .

Also to be mentioned is the fivefold scapular: the brown, white, red, black and blue scapular are sewn together to form one - usually the white scapular of the Trinitarians is on top. This enables the wearer to share in the treasure trove of all these five scapulars. Like every single one of them, the fivefold scapular has been approved by the Holy See.

The scapular medal

Each of the small scapulars can be replaced by a scapular medal after it has been placed in a rite by a priest . Reasons for this can be extreme heat, moisture, allergies to wool and the like. This was Skapuliermedaille of Pope Pius X approved and shows on one side the Heart of Jesus and on the other hand, the Mother of God , often with the scapular in her hand. Notwithstanding this, he himself and Pope Benedict XVI. pointed out that the scapular should be given preference over a medal, since the material is the visible sign that connects with the scapular of the order.

literature

  • The Brown Scapular - Brief Description 2020 , PDF file, 10-page documentation, publisher: skapulier.info , translation from English with imprimatur
  • Blessing and application of the Brown Scapular , PDF file, prayer texts from the Roman Rituals with German translation (one A4 page)
  • Karl Suso Frank: Scapular . In: Walter Kasper (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church . 3. Edition. tape 9 . Herder, Freiburg im Breisgau 2000, Sp. 653 .
  • Michael Kunzler: Liturgical clothing for lay services in worship. Plea for an appropriate form . In: Liturgisches Jahrbuch 54 (2004), pp. 185–197.
  • Gerd Josef Weisensee: The dress from heaven . An introduction to the science of scapular wearing - with special consideration of the fivefold scapular and the associated five scapular fraternities. Theresia-Verlag, Lauerz 2000, ISBN 3-908542-96-0 .

Web links

Commons : Scapular  - collection of images, videos and audio files
  • Skapulier.info , information website about the brown scapular with the option to order, 10-page documentation and prayer text for the blessing and application of the brown scapular

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Prayers for the blessing and application of the fivefold scapular and the scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary contains z. B. the Freiburger Manuale Rituum from 1929, pp. 165-169.