What is the Scapular Confraternity?
The Scapular Confraternity of Carmel is an association of the faithful who strive for the perfection of charity in the world in the spirit of the Carmelite Order. Through their free commtment, they participate in the life of the Order and its spiritual benefits in an intimate communion of thought, ideals and work, together with Mary.
How does one enroll in the confraternity?
The reception takes place according to the proper rite approved by the Holy See, by means of enrolment in the Scapular. The Scapular consists of two brown or dark pieces of material, joined together by two ribbons. For receptions, the name of the faithful and the date must be registered in a book kept for the purpose. On this occasion, a certificate with the name of the Confraternity or of the Church to which the person enrolled belongs may be given.
After the reception of the Scapular, the faithful may, for personal reasons, substitutte it with a medal showing on one side the Sacred Heart of Jesus and on the other Our Lady. Both Scapular and medal may be replaced without having to be blessed again.
What are the obligations of the members?
The members of the Confraternity must at all times devoutly wear the Scapular (or the medal), as a visible sign of their belonging to Mary in the brotherhood of Carmel. But above all the members are bound to set aside regular time to be with God in prayer, frequent participation in the Eucharist and the sacrament of Confession, daily recitation of one of the Hours of the Liturgy or of some Psalms or the rosary.
Indulgences granted to the Members of the Confraternity
New members may gain plenary indulgences on the day they join the Confraternity and on the following feasts:
- Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel (July 16)
- St. Elijah, prophet (July 20)
- St. Simon Stock (May 16)
- St. Therese of the Child Jesus (October 1)
- St. Teresa of Avila (October 15)
- All Carmelite Saints (November 14), and
- St. John of the Cross (December 14)
provided they fulfill the usual conditions: going to confession and communion, saying a prayer for the intentions of the Pope and renewing the promise to observe the commitments to the Confraternity.
The solemn feast of the Confraternity is that of the Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (16 July). Members will celebrate this feast with great devotion and gratitude towards Mary, renewing their commitment of service to her, fidelity to Jesus Christ and the Church, and commending the whole Carmelite Family to the maternal heart of the Virgin.
How to become a Member of the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular
- Send us your full name to the National Center of the Confraternity to be officially registered in the rolls of the Confraternity or email us at confraternityph@gmail.com. If you wish to receive the Certificate of Enrollment, Ceremonial Scapular, the Carmelite 6 Decade Rosary, and the Confraternity Pin, a donation of 500 pesos is requested to cover the material cost.
- Have your brown scapular blessed and imposed by a priest using the rite of blessing and imposition of the brown scapular. Replacement of worn-out scapulars requires no further imposition since the imposition and blessing is carried by the person and not by the scapular.
- Pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary everyday.
- Frequent participation in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and Penance (Reconciliation/Confession).
- To live chastely according to one's state in life.
Third Order of Carmelites of the Philippines, Flos Carmeli House of Prayer, #29 Baretto Subdivision, Purok 1, Bucal, Calamba, Laguna
