A red Five-fold devotional scapular with a small crucifix

The source of this article is http://en.wikipedia.org

The term scapular (from Latin scapula, shoulder) as used today refers to two specific, yet related, Christian Sacramentals, namely the monastic and devotional scapulars, although both forms may simply be referred to as "scapular".

The "monastic scapular" appeared first, perhaps as early as the 7th century during the Order of Saint Benedict. It is a somewhat large length of cloth suspended both front and back from the shoulders of the wearer, often reaching to the knees. It may vary in shape, color, size and style. Monastic scapulars originated as aprons worn by medieval monks, and were later extended to habits for members of religious organizations, orders or confraternities. Monastic scapulars now form part of the habit of monks and nuns in many Christian orders.

The "devotional scapular" is a much smaller item and evolved from the monastic scapular. These may also be worn by individuals who are not members of a monastic order and the Roman Catholic Church considers them sacramentals. The devotional scapular typically consists of two small (usually rectangular) pieces of cloth, wood or laminated paper, a few inches in size which may bear religious images or text. These are joined by two bands of cloth and the wearer places one square on the chest, rests the bands one on each shoulder and lets the second square drop down the back.

In many cases, both forms of the scapular come with a set of promises for the faithful who wear them. Some of the promises are rooted in tradition, and others have been formally approved by religious leaders. For instance, for Roman Catholics, as for some other sacramentals, over the centuries several popes have approved specific indulgences for scapulars.

The Catholic Encyclopedia lists 18 small scapulars approved by the Church:

• The Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity
• The Scapular of Our Lady of Ransom (B. Maria V. de Mercede redemptionis captivorum)
• The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
• The Black Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary
• The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception
• The Scapular of the Most Precious Blood
• The Black Scapular of the Passion
• The Red Scapular of the Passion
• The Scapular of Help of the Sick
• The White Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
• The Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel
• The Scapular of St. Benedict
• The White Scapular of the Our Lady of Good Counsel
• The Scapular of St. Joseph
• The Scapular of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
• The Scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
• The Scapular of St. Dominic
• The Scapular of the Holy Face

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. The brown scapular is associated with the Sabbatine Privilege, which promises that the Virgin Mary will deliver from Purgatory those who wear the scapular piously on the first Saturday after their death.

The wearing of a devotional scapular has been viewed as a constant meditation by Bishop Leo De Goesbriand: "Wherever I am, whatever I am doing, Mary never sees me without seeing upon my body an evidence of my devotion to her."

From a spiritual viewpoint, Father Etienne Richer argues that devotional scapular is one of key Roman Catholic sacramentals that harmonize with Catholic Liturgy in the meditative process.