Of scapulars, devotions and Russian jet fighters
Some people are quite disciplined in the matter of wearing a scapular. This comes from Latin scapulae, shoulder blades. Scapulars are garments, usually associated with religious habits, which fall down from the shoulders, mostly over the rest of the habit. Another kind of scapular is small, on strings, which symbolically substitutes for the larger scapular. There are different kinds of scapulars which are spiritual aids in various ways. They generally are a symbol of a relationship through which we derive spiritual protection and aid. Probably the most commonly used scapular is the brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
BTW… once you are “enrolled” and given the brown scapular, if and when your scapular wears out, simply replace it, have the new one blessed.
I am not sure if Eastern Catholics and Orthodox have such things, but a reader alerted me to something which she thought was rather like a Western scapular.
At The Daily Mail there are many photos concerning the destruction of a Russian jet fighter by the Turks. The pilots were killed as they parachuted. Among the photos are the pilots’ effects, including this, which I flipped and cropped:
Lots of people wear religious items without necessarily being devout in any way.
I hope that this young man was indeed devout and that Our Lady helped him to his end.
That said, reflect now for a moment on your own end, your death, which could come at any moment, whether you regularly are in “harm’s way” or not.
Use well the sacramentals that Holy Church provides for your spiritual benefit. Devout use of the brown scapular is a common devotion because it is an effective devotion.
Use well the sacraments that Holy Church provides. Examine your consciences and GO TO CONFESSION. Make good Holy Communions. Call upon the graces of the your Confirmation and Matrimony and Holy Orders.
Use well other devotional practices which can be of spiritual benefit to you and others. Perform indulgenced works, such as making the Way of the Cross, reading Scripture, praying the Rosary.