Sacramentals remind us of the divine mysteries as an aid to the Christian life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, 1667. Holy Mother Church has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy. (Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium) The Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, or Brown Scapular, consists of two pieces of brown wool on a cord. The Blessed Mother gave this sacramental to St. Simon Stock in 1251 with the promise that “Whoever dies invested with this Scapular shall be preserved from the eternal flames. It is a sign of salvation, a sure safeguard in danger, a pledge of peace and of my special protection until the end of the ages.” According to the Holy See’s Directory on Popular Piety, 205. The history of Marian piety also includes “devotion” to various Scapulars, the most common of which is devotion to the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Its use is truly universal and, undoubtedly, it is one of those pious practices which the Council described as “recommended by the Magisterium throughout the centuries” (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, Chapter VIII).The Scapular of Mount Carmel is a reduced form of the religious habit of the Order of the Friars of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel. Its use is very diffuse and often independent of the life and spirituality of the Carmelite family. As a small version of the Scapular of the Carmelite Order, those who wear it practicing virtue associate themselves with the Carmelite Order, both in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and their expectation of her protection. The “clothing” of disciples is a common theme in Sacred Scripture. Joseph’s coat (Genesis 37:3) is one example of the importance of clothing in the Bible. Proverbs 31, describing a good wife, says, “Strength and dignity are her clothing.” Also, Isaiah 61:10 says, I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. The garment attains its highest spiritual meaning, however, in the new covenant. There the follower of Jesus is said to put on Christ Himself. In Galatians 3:27, St. Paul states, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (emphasis added). Garments can, therefore, remind us throughout the day of the need to persevere in adhering to Christ. The Scapular, as a special garment of consecrated religious, is known from the time of St. Benedict (6th century). His monks were to wear one over their habit while working. From this practical purpose the Scapular came to be called “the yoke of Christ,” and acquire spiritual meaning as a sign of devotion and piety. Among the laity who associate with particular orders, or practice a particular spirituality, the smaller versions of such Scapulars are intended as similar signs and reminders.