What does the Scapular Promise mean?

September 28, 2022

Mary's promise

If you're aware of the Brown Scapular that Our Lady gave to St. Simon, then you've heard the promise that she gave to all who wear it.

“Whosoever dies clothed in this Habit shall not suffer the fires of hell.”

The meaning seems simple - that whoever dies wearing the scapular will not be damned to hell. The scapular is a sign of devotion to Our Lady those who enroll in the scapular make. Regardless of the temptations and struggles of this life, as long as we strive to stay in a state of grace and remain devoted to Our Lady, she will ensure that we are saved.

Is it magic?

The scapular is not a magic talisman. It’s a sacramental, which makes it like any other sacramental, such as a rosary or holy water.

What is a sacramental?

That's a good question, so it's good to start with what the Church says.

The Church defines sacramentals as “sacred signs by which effects, especially spiritual effects, are signified in some imitation of the sacraments and are obtained through the intercession of the Church” (Code of Canon Law, 1166).

That's a little complicated, but it basically means that sacramentals are those gifts of the Church that help make us more receptive to grace. We receive grace in the sacraments, but the use of sacramentals help make this grace more effective in our spiritual lives.

Sacramentals can come in many different forms and are different from a sacrament in that they were not instituted directly by Christ to give grace but can make us more open to receive God’s grace. For example, the prayerful use of the rosary or icons can make a person more receptive to the grace that they receive through the sacraments.

While the Brown Scapular is a sacramental, it’s a very special and privileged one. It’s even been called “Mary’s Sacrament.” While not literally a sacrament, it’s been called this piously because of Mary’s promise is to obtain the graces necessary for salvation to any soul who is devoted to her through the Brown Scapular.

Does it mean mortal sin doesn’t matter?

If someone wears the Brown Scapular, does this mean that they can live however they want? Will the Brown Scapular save me if I die in mortal sin?

The short answer is no.

The Brown Scapular is not a license to sin, and the devotion to the Brown Scapular is not a rejection of the Church’s teaching on sin and salvation. Mortal sin is complete separation from God. (Remember that a mortal sin must be grave and committed with sufficient knowledge and deliberate will).

If a soul dies in mortal sin, then that separation is permanent, and that soul is damned.

So what does that mean for the scapular promise?

It means that whoever is clothed in the Brown Scapular will not die in mortal sin. If a person falls into mortal sin, then Mary will provide the grace necessary to encourage that soul to seek confession and be forgiven of their sins.

The scapular promise assures us that those who are devoted to Mary through the Brown Scapular will receive the grace of final perseverance and/or contrition at the hour of their death.

Free will is not surrendered in the spiritual life (either ours or God’s), but Mary promises that all who sincerely seek God and salvation will receive it through their devotion to her.

Why do I need the scapular?

People misunderstand the scapular by one of two extremes. They either think of it as a magical cloth that has nothing to do with Catholic teaching (as discussed above) or they think it doesn’t serve a purpose because a soul must still avoid mortal sin and remain in a state of grace to be saved.

However, this overlooks the reality of spiritual warfare and how our free will operates in real life. Mary promised salvation to all who wear the scapular as a way to comfort and assure all who struggle and experience temptation in the spiritual life.

How many times have you tried to improve yourself and do something good in your own life? Go on a diet. Finish a project. Do better at work. Work on your relationships. Do even these simple thing go smoothly?

Oftentimes our sincere efforts made in complete free will are hit with difficulties and doubts from the beginning and we struggle. Have you ever made a plan on Monday that felt great and then by Tuesday you’re having doubts and feeling like a failure?

The spiritual life is no different. It’s our most important calling. It’s what we’re made for. Of course it’s going to involve struggle! St. Paul told us to work out our salvation in fear and trembling - and yet many saints tell us to pray and not to worry, because worrying distracts our focus from God.

A garment of grace

This is where the Brown Scapular comes in. It’s a shield of salvation. It’s not magic. But it’s far from pointless either. It’s the aid and the comfort and the daily help that we all need in the spiritual life. It’s Mary’s way of saying to us that, in spite of our temptations and trials and struggles, if we remain devoted to her and sincerely try to avoid mortal sin, she will give us all the grace we need to be saved.