El Escapulario De La Virgen Del CarmenReligion Culture and Dress
... being tortured and killed. Several escaped while others died singing to Mary of Mount Carmel. (2)The monks escaped persecution by remaining mobile. In the 13th century, Mary let her presence be known once again. Receiving approval to join the crusades, Saint Simon Stock, general of the Carmelite order and the Carmelite monks moved into Italy. After much pleading from Saint Simon, on July 16, 1251, Mary appeared with a gift and a message. After promising loyalty and devotion from him and the Carmelite order, Saint Simon received a habit, similar to the one worn by Mary. (Figure 1)Along with the habit was a message. “He who dies wearing this escapulario will not suffer the pains of eternal damnation”. (1) It was a message that Saint Simon quickly passed on to the pope. The pope blessed this message and gift and the Carmelite monks adapted this habit as their own. They also wore the image of Mary with child in the form of an escapulario. Escapulario is derived from Latin. Scapulae means shoulders. The escapulario used to be a pallium worn over a habit by the monks during their routine chores. (2) It has three significant meanings. The first is that of love and maternal protection. This shawl like piece symbolizes Mary’s love and protection. For example, when Jesus was born Mary wrapped him in her shawl to keep him warm and protected from the harsh cold weather; the same goes for those who wear this item. It serves to protect them from harm. The second meaning is that of pertaining or belonging to Mary. This symbolizes that we are Mary’s children and therefore are under her guidance and teachings. The final meaning is that this piece is a symbol of our sacrifice to bear. Mary was humble and patient, and therefore those bearing the escapulario should live a life of simplicity. There are two promises made by those who chose to wear the escapulario. The first promise is known as the Grand Promise. Those who chose to take this oath promise to die and be buried wearing the escapulario as well as the habit. (4) The reason they chose to do this is is because of what Mary originally said to Saint Simon. “He who dies wearing this escapulario will not suffer the pains of eternal damnation”. (1) (Figure 7) Those buried wearing the escapulario are promised entry into heaven. Three important rules must be followed. This escapulario must be handed to the intended by a priest. It should be worn at all times, most importantly, at the time of death. The final rule is that the intended must write his or her name in the book of cofradia (brotherhood). The second promise is a little more difficult to keep because it requires more of the person that is to wear the escapulario. (4) This promise originates back to Pope John XXIII. Known to be a man of many sacrifices, during one of his prayers, the Virgin Mary appeared before him. To him she announced that the Saturday following death, all that wear the escapulario, she would remove from purgatory and sent to heaven. This promise she made would pass on to all who follow the same sacrifices as he did. The “sacrifices” or vows one must follow are chastity, depending on marital status. Also, 7 hail Maries and 7 our fathers must be recited daily in order to fulfill sacrifice number two. Sacrifice number three requires abstaining from sex on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Once all sacrifices are fulfilled can the intended know he or she has met all requirements for the second promise. Although originally worn by the Carmelite monks, now days both men and women now wear the Escapulario de La Virgen Del Carmen. People are often faced with difficulties in their lives. It is during these times that Mexican Catholics turn to religion. Depending on the degree or severity of their issue, they pray to La Virgen Del Carmen. They offer, in exchange for a miracle received, to wear the Escapulario and follow all vows required of them. Some people choose to wear the small escapulario when small miracles are obtained. (Figure 6 & 8) These miracles can range from obtaining a job to helping a family out of a financial crisis, to helping rid a family member of a depressing state. The escapulario is made up of a 18” brown string, and at opposing ends, are 1 inch squares, each bearing specific symbols. At one end, the end worn close to the heart is usually the embroidered image of Mary with child. At the other end, worn on the back, one will sometimes find embroidery of the letters “M” and “S”. These represent that the wearer is a Servant of Mary. Sometimes, the image of the Sacred Heart will be embroidered on the back (Figure 5 & 8). What makes this the preferred choice of modern day Catholics is that it can be discreetly worn under every day clothing. The devout Catholics choose to wear the larger escapulario under the habit. This is usually done when a large miracle has been obtained. Examples of these miracles include things such as a cure for an illness, the safe return home of a loved one, or the ordination of a priest. The first and latter were reasons why my grandmother wore the habit and escapulario. This outfit is comprised of lon...