Introduction
18 Types of Scapulars Every Catholic Should Know sound too absurd a topic I guess you will say till you read to the end. Whenever we hear about scapular, our minds are naturally inclined to the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Indeed it is the most popular of all the scapulars yet it is not the only one.
However, a research into the Catholic Literature and devotional tradition shows several scapulars associated with different religious orders, saints, titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and devotions to Jesus Christ.
In this article we’ve covered it, 18 Catholic Scapulars Every Catholic Should Know:
But one may ask what exactly a scapular is?
The word scapular comes from the Latin scapulae, meaning “shoulders.” Originally, a scapular was a large garment worn over the shoulders by monks as part of their religious habit. Over time, a smaller form was developed for the faithful.
For a detail explanation of the origin of the scapular read our earlier article on What Is the Brown Scapular? Here: https://www.tabssacramentals.com.ng/what-is-the-brown-scapular/
It is important to know that every scapular is a sacramental and therefore a sacred sign that help the faithful to receive grace and cooperate with it Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1667–1679).
You can read more about Sacramententals on our earlier post: What Are Sacramentals? https://www.tabssacramentals.com.ng/what-are-sacramentals-in-the-catholic-church/
18 Types of Scapulars Every Catholic should know
1. Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most widely known Catholic scapular.
It is profoundly attributed to the Carmelite Order and devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The small Brown Scapular became an important expression of Marian devotion among the laity.
The traditional account connects the scapular with St. Simon Stock. However, the historical development of the scapular devotion is more complex than the popular version of the story sometimes suggests. Carmelite historical research has noted that the earliest surviving accounts of the famous scapular vision appeared much later than the time of St. Simon Stock.
The Church nevertheless recognizes the Brown Scapular as an important Catholic devotion.
Read also: The Brown Scapular promise and the Sabbatine Privilege
2. White Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity
The White Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity is often linked with the Trinitarian Order, founded for the redemption of Christians held in captivity. It traditionally has a red and blue cross associated with the Trinitarian habit.
When Pope Innocent III approved of the order of the Trinitarians on Jan. 28, 1198, an angel appeared to him, wearing a white garment on which was a cross formed of a blue horizontal bar and a red vertical bar. This garment became the habit of the Trinitarians, and eventually was the model for the scapular worn by the lay people who became members of the Confraternity of the Most Blessed Trinity – Different Kinds of Scapulars – Catholic Culture
3. White Scapular of Our Lady of Ransom
The White Scapular of Our Lady of Ransom is affiliated with the Mercedarian tradition (Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy) and devotion to Our Lady of Ransom.
The devotion has a historical connection with the work of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, particularly its concern for Christians held captive.
4. Black Scapular of the Seven Sorrows of Mary
The Black Scapular of the Seven Sorrows is associated with the Servite Order (Order of Servants of Mary) and devotion to the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It encourages meditation on the sufferings of Mary in connection with the life, Passion and death of Jesus Christ.
The devotion is sometimes also called the Scapular of Our Lady of Sorrows. this guide to Catholic scapulars.
5. Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception
The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception is associated with the Theatine tradition (Order of Clerics Regular of the Divine Providence) and devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Its history is connected with Venerable Ursula Benincasa, foundress of the Theatine nuns.
The scapular became an expression of devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Conception.
6. Red Scapular of the Most Precious Blood
The Red Scapular of the Most Precious Blood is associated with devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
It reminds Christians of the sacrificial love of Christ and the Blood He shed for the salvation of humanity.
The scapular has a different history from the Red Scapular of the Passion, which will be discussed later in this article.
7. Black Scapular of the Passion
The Black Scapular of the Passion is originated from the Passionist Order, founded by St. Paul of the Cross.
The scapular focuses attention on the Passion of Jesus Christ. Its symbolism is connected with the Passionist devotion to remembering and proclaiming Christ’s suffering and death.
It is sometimes confused with the Red Scapular of the Passion, but they are different scapulars.
8. Red Scapular of the Passion
The Red Scapular of the Passion derived its origin from the devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Its history is connected with Sister Apolline Andriveau of the Daughters of Charity, who reported a vision of Christ in the nineteenth century.
The scapular became associated with the Lazarists, or Congregation of the Mission. Traditional accounts describe its purpose as encouraging devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Sacred Hearts.
9. Black Scapular of Help of the Sick
The Black Scapular of Help of the Sick is associated with the Camillian tradition and devotion to Mary under the title of Our Lady, Help of the Sick.
It is linked with prayer for the sick and with the Christian care of people who are suffering.
The devotion also reflects the spiritual tradition of St. Camillus de Lellis and those who serve the sick.
10. White Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The White Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is attributed to devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Immaculate Heart points to Mary’s interior life, her love for God and her close union with the mission of her Son.
The scapular therefore serves as a reminder of Marian devotion and the Christian call to imitate Mary’s faith and obedience.
11. Blue and Black Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel
The Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel is traditionally blue and black and is in honour of the devotion to St. Michael the Archangel.
St. Michael is honoured in the Church’s tradition as a defender of God’s people and as the angel who opposed Satan.
The scapular therefore serves as a reminder of Christian spiritual warfare and the need to remain faithful to God.
It should not, however, be treated as a magical object or as a guarantee against every form of danger.
12. Scapular of St. Benedict
The Scapular of St. Benedict is associated with devotion to St. Benedict and Benedictine spirituality.
It points the wearer toward the spiritual tradition of St. Benedict, including prayer, obedience, humility and the rejection of evil.
13. Scapular of the Holy Face
The Scapular of the Holy Face has its origin from the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus.
The devotion encourages Christians to contemplate the face of Christ and to honour Him, especially in connection with His Passion.
The scapular therefore has a strongly Christ-centred character.
14. White Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel
The White Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel is associated with devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel.
The devotion encourages Christians to seek Mary’s intercession and to ask for wisdom and guidance in following God’s will.
15. White Scapular of St. Joseph
The White Scapular of St. Joseph is associated with devotion to St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus.
It reminds Christians of St. Joseph’s virtues, particularly his humility, obedience, purity and faithful service to God.
It also reflects devotion to St. Joseph as patron of the universal Church.
16. White Scapular of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The White Scapular of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is associated with devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Sacred Heart represents Christ’s love for humanity and calls Christians to respond to that love with faith and conversion.
The scapular therefore points the wearer toward the person and love of Jesus Christ.
17. Scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
The Scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary expresses devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The devotion brings together the love of Christ and the maternal love of Mary, whose heart is understood in Catholic spirituality as being closely united with her Son.
18. White Scapular of St. Dominic
The White Scapular of St. Dominic is associated with the Dominican Order and devotion to St. Dominic.
It reflects Dominican spirituality and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, particularly through the Rosary and the preaching of the Gospel.
The scapular has traditionally been associated with membership in the Dominican Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Which scapular should a Catholic wear?
One may wonder, with all these variation of scapular and it forms which should one wear? Can I wear them all? There is no need to collect different scapulars simply because there are many types. One must first understand the devotion associated with the particular scapular and avoid treating it as a charm.
If you’re interested in the Brown Scapular, it is especially important to receive proper instruction and enrollment according to the Church’s approved practice.
Conclusion:
Although these scapulars have different colours, histories and devotions, they share an important feature: they are devotional signs (Sacramental) connected with Catholic faith and popular piety –. The scapular is not meant to replace prayer, the sacraments or Christian living. Rather, it can serve as a visible reminder of the faith and devotion that a Christian is called to live every day.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare Christians to receive the fruits of the sacraments and help sanctify different circumstances of Christian life and therefore do not replace sacraments. Read also 13 Differences you need to know about Sacraments and Sacramentals
About the Author & TABS
Tyosue Christopher Kpega is the founder of TABS – Thomas Aquinas Bookstore and Sacramentals and the Convener of FaithDigest, a Catholic initiative focused on Catechesis, Faith formation, and engaging Catholics in the life and teachings of the Church.
Through TABS, he promotes sound Catholic teaching and provides quality sacramentals, including rosaries, scapulars, crucifixes, holy water bottles, anointing oils, and sacred incense for prayer and Christian devotion across Nigeria.
Looking for Catholic sacramentals in Nigeria? TABS provides carefully selected devotional items that support prayer, devotion, and faithful Catholic living.