Scapulars

>Shop for Scapulars and see our line of Catholic scapulars, most of which on offer are handmade in convents and monasteries.

The scapular, a cherished sacramental in the Catholic tradition, has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Its origins are linked to the monastic life, where it was part of the monk's habit, a sort of apron that protected their clothing from work.

The term "scapular" comes from the Latin "scapulae," meaning "shoulders," aptly describing how the garment was worn. The devotion to wearing a smaller, symbolic scapular began with the Carmelites and is most commonly associated with an event in the 13th century when the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a Carmelite, and gave him a brown scapular as a sign of her protection. Many of our scapulars are made by Carmelite sisters!

Today, the small, devotional scapular typically consists of two small pieces of cloth, wool, or other fabric connected by bands, and is worn over the shoulders. Catholics wear the scapular as a sign of their faith, dedication, and commitment to a particular saint or devotion. It serves as a constant, tangible reminder of their spiritual commitment and the protection and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the saint to whom the scapular is dedicated. It's important to remember that the scapular is not a magical charm, but a sign and an instrument of personal consecration and continual prayer.