The Virgin of Mount Carmel (called "Carmen" in Spanish and "Carmo" in Portugeuese) is a particular apparition of the Mother of jesus who is the Patron Saint of a form of Catholic devotion called the wearing of the scapular. Images of Our Lady of Mount Carmel always show her dressed in brown and tan, wearing a flat crown, and holding the Infant Jesus. Both she and the Infant hold scapulars in their hands.

The word scapular comes from the Latin "scapula" which means "shoulder blade." It is a necklace that hangs down both in front and in back, with a small, flat rectangular pendant at each end. It is usually kept under the clothing in an inconspicuous manner. Traditionally, the scapular is made of brown woolen cloth of the type worn by the Carmelite order of nuns, but in folk-Catholic practice, scapulars can be made of white or other colour cloth, vinyl, leather, or -- as with the scapular shown here, two clear hard plastic cases in which are inserted holy prints and small pieces of brown cloth.

Although orthodox Catholics will tell you that the scapular is "not a magical charm or talisman," like many amulets of a religious nature, it does seem to present the sainted Mary as a religious bringer of luck. Specifically, it is said that all those who die while wearing the blessed scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will be saved from the fires of Hell, no matter whow great their sins. According to Pope John XXII, Mary personally told him this with respect to people who wear the scapular: "I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in Purgatory, I shall free, so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of Iife everlasting." A popular Catholic holy card depicts this scene. It shows Our Lady of Mount Carmel holding the Infant Jesus and accompanied by a troup of angels who are pulling people from the flames of Hell.The hanging cords vary, being brown, white, and black.

Everyone, young and old alike should wear the Brown Scapular because it is a gift from Our Heavenly Mother. Our Lady promised, "WHOSOEVER DIES WEARING THIS SCAPULAR SHALL NOT SUFFER ETERNAL FIRE. IT SHALL BE A SIGN OF PEACE AND A SAFEGUARD IN TIMES OF DANGER." The wearing of the scapular draws us closer to Mary in a spiritual bond which identifies us as belonging to her, just as the bracelet on a new born baby identifies that child as belonging to a particular mother. When we wear the Brown Scapular we are recipients of special graces from Our Blessed Mother and because of such are called to a new life of thinking and acting like Mary. It is a silent prayer, no words need be spoken. We share in the prayers and good works of millions belonging to the Family of Carmel. We are assured of the continual assistance of Our Heavenly Mother as we travel through this life.