by jujugiggles » Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:21 pm
By Roman Catholic tradition, one needs to be formally invested with the brown scapular by a priest, and to gain it's benefits (release from purgatory) you have to adhere to the requirements of the Carmelite Order. The brown scapular is symbolic of the vestments that a member of the holy order would wear, and so to properly wear the brown scapular you must basically join the Carmelite order in a lay capacity. Receiving it's benefits requires saying certain prayers on certain days for certain reasons, and living by a particular ethical-code/ideal. Just wearing one without partaking in the formal requirements will not, officially, confer any benefit.
Other scapulars, such as the green scapular, CAN provide its benefits to anyone, as long as the scapular is blessed by a priest, and someone says a short prayer on behalf of the wearer each day (you can say the prayer for yourself). I think the green scapular prayer is "Dear Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Me (or name of the wearer you are praying for) Now and At The Hour of My Death". The green scapular is known for providing miracle healings, among other things.
Someone with more experience with Catholic traditions may have more to add.
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