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The history of the Brown Scapular really begins in the Holy Land in the 13th Century with a community of hermits known as the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. The Brothers lived a life of silence and contemplation, in the tradition of St. Elijah the prophet, and had the Blessed Virgin Mary, who pondered all things in her heart (Luke 2:19), as their guide and patroness.
The 13th Century was a difficult time for the Carmelites. The Crusades were still ongoing, and as a result the Brothers suffered persecution and disruption to their way of life. These persecutions were so severe that the Brothers made the difficult decision to leave the Holy Land, to leave their beloved Mount Carmel, and travel to the West in an attempt to preserve their order. In 1238 the Carmelite Brothers begin to leave for Europe, initially settling in Cyprus, Sicily, France and England.
Life in the West proved difficult for the Carmelites. They are reliant on alms, which are not forthcoming, in addition they establish themselves in remote places and as a result remain relatively unknown. At the General Chapter meeting, in 1247, it was decided that they would adapt their rule to suit life in the West. The Carmelites change from a Hermetic to a Mendicant order. This means they will now leave their enclosure and beg for alms, similar to the Franciscans and Dominicans.
This change brings its own difficulties, the Carmelites are treated with suspicion and mistrust by the regular clergy and fail to gain support from local bishops. The other mendicant orders do not welcome the competition for alms. In addition, the Brothers themselves find it difficult to adapt to the new rule. Many are dissatisfied with the changes in the order. These internal and external pressures are such that it appears the Carmelites may not survive as an order. It is in this context that the Father General, Simon Stock, entered his cell on the 16 o July 1251 to pray for the preservation of his order.
Simon Stock had always had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Carmelite Order was dedicated to her and knowing that she, the patroness of the Carmelites, could save them he turned to her in his distress. Bowing his head Simon begged Our Lady's assistance:Flower of Carmel, vine blossom-laden, splendor of Heaven,
child-bearing maiden, none equals thee!
O Mother benign, who no man dist know,
on all Carmel's children thy favours bestow,
Star of the Sea!As he prayed his cell was filled with a heavenly light and he saw the Blessed Virgin Mary surrounded by a magnificent host of angels, and in her hand she carried the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order. Placing it in his hands she assured St. Simon of her protection saying:
This shall be a sign for you and for all Carmelites, whosoever dies wearing this shall
not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger,
and a pledge of special peace and protection.
An incredible promise for the Carmelites, far beyond what St. Simon could have imagined when he knelt to ask for help. A promise that strengthened the Carmelite devotion to Our Lady, as their Scapular became a sign of Marian consecration, and ultimately saved the Order, which flourished in Europe following the vision.
Initially the brown scapular remained a privilege of the Carmelites. By 1273 there was a Confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Europe, although it is unclear if the members were already wearing the Carmelite Scapular, although it does show a desire for the laity to become associated with the Carmelite Order. St. Louis of France died wearing the Carmelite Scapular in 1270 and King Edward II of England (died 1327) also known to wear one. The devotion to the scapular spread gradually in the proceeding centuries and has become one of the most popular Marian devotions in the Catholic Church. Confirmed and recommended by many popes and saints and by the numerous miracles associated with wearing the Brown Scapular.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel - Pray for us!
St Simon Stock - Pray for us!
