Our Lady of Mount Carmel

These photos are of the statue and banner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel found at Blessed Sacrament Church, Paterson, New Jersey.  The Italian Catholics have a huge devotion to our lady under this title.  Tonight was the last night of their novena of Masses and prayers in preparation for tomorrow's feast day.  The celebration will include Holy Mass, a procession and then a big Italian dinner.

A Brief Summary:

The Scapular is a habit- Our Lady's habit.  The Scapular must be worn over the shoulders in such a manner that one part hangs in front of the body and the other in back.  Worn in any other way, it carries no indulgence or promise.  It is not necessary to wear the Scapular next to the skin.

Many Catholics may not know it is the wish of the Holy Father, the Pope, that the Scapular Medal should not be worn in place of the Cloth Scapular without sufficient reason. Mary cannot be pleased with anyone who substitutes the medal out of vanity, or out of fear of making an open profession of Faith.  Such persons run the risk of not receiving the Promise.  The medal has never been noted for any of the miraculous reservations attributed to the Brown Cloth Scapular.

May a non-Catholic wear the Brown Scapular?  Yes, and in so doing, a non-Catholic will receive many graces and blessings with this special sign of devotion to the Mother of God.  Although baptized Catholics are the only ones who can be officially enrolled in the Confraternity and share in the special Scapular privileges, non-Catholics are warmly encouraged to avail themselves of this special way of honoring Jesus' Mother.

"Wear the Scapular devoutly and perseveringly. It is my garment. To be clothed in it means you are continually thinking of me, and I in turn, am always thinking of you and helping you to secure eternal life."

- Our Lady

From Garment of Grace