Why should we wear the Brown Scapular as Catholics?

Question from Maria on 12/15/2007:

My husband is questioning why I would want to make my whole family wear the Brown Scapular... we have read the history on it, but he doesn't understand why we would have to wear the brown scapular as Catholics if we are all working towards our salvation with God daily. God Bless and if you can get to me that would be wonderful.

Thanks again, Maria

Answer by Matthew Bunson on 1/4/2008:

There are nearly 20 scapulars for devotional use: the five principal ones are generally understood to include those of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (the brown Carmelite Scapular), the Holy Trinity, Our Lady of the Seven Dolors, the Passion, the Immaculate Conception. The Scapular Medal is a medallion with a representation of the Sacred Heart on one side and of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the other. Authorized by St. Pius X in 1910, it may be worn or carried in place of a scapular by persons already invested with a scapular. As for the Brown Scapular, it is perhaps the most famous of all the scapulars and is worn by the members of the confraternity of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. It is the most popular of the eighteen scapulars for several possible reasons. First, it is a reflection of the longstanding popularity of the Third Order of Carmelites; second, it is a scapular that traces its origins to the gift of Our Lady to St. Simon Stock; and third, it is associated with the Sabbatine (or Saturday) Privilege, the promise that any qualified wearer of the scapular will be delivered from purgatory on the Saturday after their death. The privilege originated in a supposed vision of Pope John XXII in 1322. As I understand it, according to Sister Lucia, the Blessed Mother was holding the scapular in her hand on the day of the last apparition at Fatima.

A wonderful discussion of the scapular is provided here: http://www.ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/SCAPULAR.TXT

If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to write again.