NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Scapular

A scapular (from Latin scapula, shoulder) is a length of cloth suspended both front and back from the shoulders of the wearer, that varies in shape, colour, size and style depending on the use to which it is being put, namely whether in Christian monasticism or in Christian devotion. Left scapula - front view () Left scapula - rear view () In anatomy, the scapula, or shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus (arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone). ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Monk (disambiguation). ...

The monastic scapular is part of the garb, the so-called habit, of many Christian religious orders, of both monks and nuns, at least since the time of St Benedict.^[1] In its basic form it is a shoulder-wide floor-length piece of cloth covering front and back, and worn over the traditional tunic or cassock, almost like a sleeveless surcoat, traditionally in the case of some orders even during the night. It is the equivalent of the analavos worn in the Eastern tradition.^[2] From its mention in the Rule of St Benedict it may be argued that according to his mind the purpose of the scapular is solely of a spiritual nature, namely like an "apron" to be a sign of the wearer's readiness to serve, in this case that of the workman in the service of God.^[3] This understanding of the purpose of the monastic scapular as a purely symbolic apron is supported by the fact that monks and nuns, when engaged on some manual labour, tend to cover it with a protective apron or carefully tuck it up or throw the front length back over their shoulder to prevent it from getting in the way^[4] and possibly soiled and maybe even damaged. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 397 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (527 Ã— 796 pixel, file size: 35 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) San Antonio by Zurbaran. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 397 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (527 Ã— 796 pixel, file size: 35 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) San Antonio by Zurbaran. ... Saint Anthony the Great (251 - 356), also known as Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Anthony of the Desert, Saint Anthony the Anchorite, and The Father of All Monks, was a Christian saint and the outstanding leader among the Desert Fathers, who were Christian monks in the Egyptian desert in the... A habit is the usual condition or state of a person or thing, either natural or acquired, regarded as something had, possessed, and firmly retained. ... A Taoist monk playing an instrument. ... For other uses, see Monk (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Nun (disambiguation). ... Saint Benedict St. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Clergy in Cassocks A Roman Catholic priest from Belgian Congo wearing the Roman cassock. ... The classic knights surcoat is on the left; the knight on the right has a different style A surcoat was an outer garment commonly worn in the Middle Ages by both men and women. ... The Great Schema worn by Orthodox monks and nuns of the highest degree In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the process of becoming a monk or nun is intentionally slow, as the vows taken are considered to entail a life-long commitment to God, and are not to be entered into... St. ...

Some religious orders give a short version (sometimes called the "reduced scapular", but this usage is archaic) of their own scapular to non-monastics that are spiritually affiliated with them (e.g. Third Order, Secular Oblates). Such short scapulars are designed to be unobtrusive and can be worn under regular clothing at home and at work. For other uses, see Monk (disambiguation). ...

In various Christian traditions the term scapular is also applied to a small devotional artifact worn by male and female non-monastics in the belief that this will be of spiritual benefit to them. The Roman Catholic Church considers it a sacramental. It consists of two small squares of cloth, wood or laminated paper, bearing religious images or text, which are joined by two bands of cloth. The wearer places one square on the chest, rests the bands one on each shoulder and lets the second square drop down the back. Some scapulars have extra bands running under the arms and connecting the squares to prevent them from getting dislodged underneath the wearer's top layer of clothes. In lieu of it, a "scapular medal" may be worn, e.g. the St Benedict's medal. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 574 pixelsFull resolution (2318 Ã— 1662 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 574 pixelsFull resolution (2318 Ã— 1662 pixel, file size: 1. ... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Â· Other religions Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Luther Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury Â· Catholic Pope Coptic Pope Â· Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box: Christianity is... For other uses, see Monk (disambiguation). ... Catholic Church redirects here. ... Sacramentals are things (sacramentalia) set apart or blessed by the Catholic Church to manifest the respect due to the Sacraments, and so to excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these movements of the heart to remit venial sin, according to the Council of Trent (Session XXII, 15). ...

The monastic scapular

The monastic scapular is an outer garment about the width of the chest, from shoulder to shoulder. It hangs down in the front and back almost to the feet, but is open on the sides (it was originally joined by straps at the waist). It appears to have originated in an item of the monks' garb mentioned in the Rule of Saint Benedict (ch. 55.4-6), referred to as a "scapulare propter opera" ("surcoat for work"). Guided by the qualification "for work", it tends to be suggested that it might have been simply a kind of light cowl or apron to protect the tunic during manual labor. In the overall context of the Rule of St Benedict, however, it is more convincing to understand it as an integral part of the habit that is to be worn always – whether during prayer or manual labour and even during the night – as a symbolic apron that shows the Lord's workman to be going about his master's work.^[5] Image File history File links Download high resolution version (3176x2779, 787 KB) Description: Title: de: GemÃ¤ldezyklus fÃ¼r das KartÃ¤userkloster Nuestra SeÃ±ora de las Cuevas a Triana, Szene: Der Hl. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (3176x2779, 787 KB) Description: Title: de: GemÃ¤ldezyklus fÃ¼r das KartÃ¤userkloster Nuestra SeÃ±ora de las Cuevas a Triana, Szene: Der Hl. ... A Carthusian Monastery in Jerez, Spain The Carthusians are a Christian religious order founded by St Bruno in 1084. ... The Rule of St Benedict by Benedict of Nursia (fl. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A habit is the usual condition or state of a person or thing, either natural or acquired, regarded as something had, possessed, and firmly retained. ...

Over the centuries the religious orders adapted the basic scapular as they considered appropriate for themselves, as a result of which there are now several distinct designs, colours, shapes and lengths in use. For example, the Dominican Order and Carthusians attached a hood to their scapular, rather than keeping the former a separate item of their habit. â€œDominicansâ€ redirects here. ... A Carthusian Monastery in Jerez, Spain The Carthusians are a Christian religious order founded by St Bruno in 1084. ...

Even today, a long scapular identifies its wearer as a member of a religious order. It may be said that just as the stole is the vestment that came to mark the office of a priest, the monastic scapular became the equivalent for those in the monastic life. It became a symbol of the confraternal way, combining in itself the principle of ora et labora (prayer and work); and so the form was later adopted by pious laity who wished to have an open sign of their devotion. This article is about religious workers. ...

The small scapular for non-monastics affiliated with a religious order

In the Middle Ages it was common for Christian faithful to join religious orders in an auxiliary sense, sometimes called "Third Orders". Though they were permitted to wear the garb of the order (the "tertiary" habit), because they had not taken all the vows, they were not usually permitted to wear the full habit of the order including the veil, pectoral, and the scapular. To grant such to a member of a Third Order was considered a high honor and great privilege. The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... A Taoist monk playing an instrument. ... Missionaries of Charity Religious vows are the public vows taken by members of religious communities of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox Churches. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Tertiaries. ...

More commonly, a smaller form (but still larger than the small scapulae available today) of an order's scapular would be bestowed upon the non-monastic. Rather than a full length of cloth, it consisted of two rectangles (approximately 2" x 3") of cloth joined by bands in some fashion. These are still worn today by the third order members of the Franciscans, Carmelites, and Dominicans. In order to gain the benefits of the order, the members must wear these scapulae constantly. However, in 1883 Pope Leo XIII declared in Misericors Dei Filius that wearing either these medium-sized scapulae of the third order or the miniature forms entitled the wearer equally to gain the indulgences associated with the order. Franciscans is the common name used to designate a variety of mendicant religious orders of men or women tracing their origin to Francis of Assisi and following the Rule of St. ... The Order of Our Lady of Mt. ... Pope Leo XIII (March 2, 1810â€”July 20, 1903), born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci, was the 256th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, reigning from 1878 to 1903, succeeding Pope Pius IX. Reigning until the age of 93, he was the oldest pope, and had the third longest pontificate...

Today seventeen small scapulae are currently recognized by the Church. Few are associated with confraternities or orders; most are devotional only, such as the Scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

The devotional scapular

Symbolism

Though they are descended from the part of the monastic habit bearing the same name, scapulae probably have more in common with the tefillin of Judaism. They are devotional objects designed to show the wearer's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life, as well as reminding the wearer of that promise. Many scapulae bear verses from scripture as well. In addition, Maimonides' Mishneh Torah has much to say on the wearing of tefillin that would seem familiar to Catholics who wear scapulae. Tefillin (Hebrew: ×ª×¤×œ×™×Ÿ), also called phylacteries, are two boxes containing Biblical verses and the leather straps attached to them which are used in traditional Jewish prayer. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Commonly used image indicating one artists conception of Maimonidess appearance Maimonides (March 30, 1135 or 1138â€“December 13, 1204) was a Jewish rabbi, physician, and philosopher in Spain, Morocco and Egypt during the Middle Ages. ...

Through the history of their use, scapulae have been variously labeled jugum Christi ("yoke of Christ") or scutum ("shield"), calling to mind various scripture passages. Many types of scapulae (see below) promise benefits or indulgences to those who wear them faithfully. Look up Indulgence in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Rules for its use

Though each scapular has its own particular qualifications and usage, the Church has set down certain rules that pertain to all types. A scapular must be in good repair with both bands intact. Multiple scapulae may be worn on the same bands, but the bands must be the color of those prescribed by the scapular with the most preeminence, and that scapular must be foremost with the others behind in order of precedence.

A scapular associated with a confraternity must be invested by an ordained representative of that group. A scapular associated with a mystery or devotion may simply be blessed by a priest and given to the wearer.

To receive the benefits or indulgences granted the scapular generally must be worn constantly. It may be placed aside for a time but, during that period, the wearer does not receive the scapular's benefits. Should the wearer take up the wearing of it again, the benefits are again conferred.

If a scapular becomes damaged to the point where it cannot be in good repair, it must be replaced. However, it is not necessary for the wearer to be reinvested as it is the devotion of the wearer, not the object itself, that confers the benefit of the scapular.

Specific scapulae

Of all the types recognized by the Church the best-known, and perhaps the most popular, is the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, sometimes referred to as the "brown scapular" from the color of its bands. It is believed to have been originally given by the Blessed Mother to Saint Simon Stock when she appeared in England in 1251. The saint was apparently told by Mary that those who died "clothed in this habit [would] never suffer eternal fire". The brown scapular is also associated with the "Sabbatine Privilege", which states that Mary's motherly assistance for those who wear the scapular will continue after their death, especially on Saturdays - the day devoted to her honor. Some interpret the Sabbatine Privilege as a promise that those who wear the scapular will be freed from Purgatory on the first Saturday after their death; the Church has never confirmed this. The Sabbatine Privilege has two extra requirements - to observe chastity according to one's state in life, and to recite the Office every day. The Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel; a get out of Hell free card. ... The Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel; a get out of Hell free card. ... This article needs cleanup. ... A view of Mount Carmel in 1894 For other uses, see Mount Carmel (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Salvation (disambiguation). ... The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (also known as the brown scapular), is by far the best known, most celebrated, and most widespread of the small scapulars. ... Blessed Virgin Mary A traditional Catholic picture displayed sometimes in homes. ... ... The Sabbatine Privilege derived its name from the apocryphal Papal Bull Sacratissimo uti culmine of pope John XXII, dated 3 March, 1322, which made the pope declare that the Mother of God appeared to him, and most urgently recommended to him the Carmelite Order and its confratres and consorores (male... Illustration for Dantes Purgatorio (18), by Gustave DorÃ©, an imaginative picturing of Purgatory. ...

The Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary has green bands and thus is known as the "green scapular". To receive the indulgence and benefit of the scapular, the wearer must daily pray "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death." As with the brown scapular, the benefit is that the faithful wearer will not die without the opportunity to receive the Last Rites. The green scapular is traditionally worn by the terminally ill.

The Scapular of the Passion, called the "red scapular", is the only scapular for which the images are specifically prescribed. It also designates that the bands must be of red wool. It was revealed in 1846 to Sister Apollone Adreveau of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and approved by Pope Pius IX the following year. The Passion is the theological term used for the suffering, both physical and mental, of Jesus in the hours prior to and including his trial and execution by crucifixion. ... 1846 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Saint Vincent de Paul (April 24, 1580 – September 27, 1660) was born at Pouy, Landes, Gascony, France to a peasant family. ... Pope Pius IX (May 13, 1792 â€“ February 7, 1878), born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from his election in June 16, 1846, until his death more than 31 years later in 1878. ...

Also of note is the Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity, which may be granted under the Trinitarian Order, founded in 1198 by St. John de Matha. It represents the ideal of the Order, which is to liberate captives and thus bring all into the glory of the Trinity.

Notes

^ Rule of St Benedict (RB) ch. 55.4-6: "… in temperate regions for each monk a "hood(ed cloak)"(? cucullam, cowl) and tunic will suffice – in winter a woolen "hood(ed cloak)"(? cucullam, cowl) is necessary, in summer a thinner or worn one –, and a scapular for work, and footwear: socks(? pedules, slip-shoes) and shoes …"
Timothy Fry, "RB 1980", p. 262, comments: "This word (scapulare) is found in antiquity only here in RB and in Vita patr. iuren. 3.5, where it appears as a summer garment. De Vogüé 6.916 thinks it is a modified version of the cuculla specially adapted for work. It clearly derives from the Latin scapula, meaning "shoulders", and it may reasonably be concluded that it was a sleeveless or short-sleeved garment … However, A. Guillaumont, "Évagre le Pontique: Traité Pratique" (SC 171, Paris, Éditions du Cerf 1971, p. 488), suggests that the scapular may be the equivalent to the Greek analabos, which Cassian (inst. 1,5) translates uncertainly by three terms: subcinctoria, redimicula and rebracchiatoria, the purpose of which is to fasten the tunic for work."
^ see Degrees of Orthodox monasticism.
^ RB 55.6 has unspecific "work", not "manual work" (in RB 48.1 called "manual labour"), whilst elsewhere there is mention of the "Work of God", arguably not only in connection with prayer (e.g. RB 7.63, 22.6, 58.7). Apparently therefore RB regards both prayer and labour as "work". Thus, whether in the oratory or in the fields, a monk is always at work, and so a "scapular for work" is to be worn always. RB 22.5 supports those who hold that it is meant to be worn even during the night rest. These considerations support the view that St Benedict meant the scapular to be worn not as protective wear but for a symbolic reason, such as with regard to the purpose of the monk in the monastery. The monks purpose is evident from RB's own purpose, which is a compilation of precepts for those who wish by "the labour of obedience to return to him from whom they had drifted through the sloth of disobedience" (RB Prol 2) and therefore, in response to "the Lord seeking his workman in the multitude of people" (RB Prol 14), undergo "teaching" in "a school of the Lord's service" (RB Prol 45-50). The wearing of the scapular therefore seems to signal that the Lord's workman is going about his master's work. A light or minimal item of clothing, as has been suggested on linguistic grounds, would be better suited to a symbolic than a protective use.
^ It is not a practical item to wear, cf. Terrence G. Kardong, "Benedict's Rule", p. 444.
^ see notes Nos 1 and 3 above re: the scapular in the Rule of St Benedict (RB).
^ Vision of St. Simon Stock at Cambridge, England, 16 July, 1251.

St. ... A Roman Catholic monk wearing a cowl The cowl (from the Latin, cuculla) is a long, outer garment, with wide sleeves, worn by Catholic monks when participating in the liturgy. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Great Schema worn by Orthodox monks and nuns of the highest degree In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the process of becoming a monk or nun is intentionally slow, as the vows taken are considered to entail a life-long commitment to God, and are not to be entered into... ... This article is about the city in England. ...

Contents

The monastic scapular

The small scapular for non-monastics affiliated with a religious order

The devotional scapular

Symbolism

Rules for its use

Specific scapulae

Notes

See also

External links

Contents

The monastic scapular GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

The small scapular for non-monastics affiliated with a religious order

The devotional scapular

Symbolism

Rules for its use

Specific scapulae

Notes

See also

External links

The monastic scapular