The Green Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a Roman
Catholic devotional scapular. The Green Scapular was
approved by Pope Pius IX in 1863 and again in 1870. He
said: "write to these good Sisters that I authorize them to make
and distribute it."[1][2] The
Green Scapular is commonly called a scapular due
to its appearance but is not descended from the scapulars of the religious
orders.[3
The devotional scapular is made of green fabric. The front
has an image of the burning heart of Mary (without the wreath of roses) pierced
by a sword and dripping blood, above which is a crux
immissa, encircled by the words: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for
us now and at our hour of death." The reverse shows a full standing image
of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the radiant Immaculate Heart.
History
Ten years after the manifestation of the Miraculous
Medal to Saint Catherine Labouré, the Blessed Virgin Mary,
in an apparition on September 8, 1840, the Feast
of her Nativity, entrusted the Green Scapular of her Immaculate Heart to Sister
Justine Bisqueyburu, a religious of the Daughters of Charity of
Saint Vincent de Paul. Our Lady promised that this new Scapular would
contribute to the conversion of souls, particularly those who have no faith,
and would procure for them a happy death.
Usage
Since it is not the emblem of a confraternity but simply a
double image attached to a single piece of cloth, no investiture is necessary.
The only requirement is that the Green Scapular be blessed by a priest and worn
or carried by the person wishing to benefit by it. If however, the person in
need of grace is obstinate, the Green Scapular may be placed secretly inside
his clothing, home or possessions, and the giver should say the prayer instead.
Devotional use
- Wear or carry the
scapular
- To help another, place
it in their vicinity (i.e. their room)
- Pray, at least daily:
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our
death"
- The prayer should be
said for oneself and separately for each person to whom it has been given
(unless they pray themselves)
- No enrollment of any
kind is necessary, but each scapular should be blessed by a priest
(general blessing of sacramentals)
- Have confidence in the
effects of the scapular: "The greatest graces come from using the
scapular but these graces come in direct proportion to the degree of
confidence in me which the user has."
Promises/benefits
- Conversion of those who
do not have the faith
- Reconciliation to the
Church for those who have lost/strayed from the faith
- Assurance of a happy
death
- Strengthening of the
faith for those already in the Church
- Protection from Satan for
those who wear or promote the scapular
