History of the Scapular

On January 28th, 1840, the Blessed Virgin appeared to a new novice of the Daughters of Charity, Sister Justine Bisqueyburu. During her “little entrance retreat,” Justine was praying before an ancient statue of the Blessed Virgin in the hall above the Rue du Bac chapel. Of a sudden, that statue was eclipsed by the presence of the Lady herself: she was unspeakably beautiful; she wore a white gown that fell to her bare feet, and a soft-blue mantle; her hair was loose and uncovered; and she was holding her heart in her hands. From the top of her heart surged abundant flames.

This silent visit would reoccur five to six times over the course of the following months, on the principal feasts of the Blessed Virgin. They culminated on the September 8, 1840, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary: during meditation, the Blessed Virgin once again made herself visible to little Justine. This time, however, she held her Immaculate Heart in one hand, and in the other, the green scapular. Justine heard an interior voice. She was made to understand that this scapular, and the holy picture it bore, was to lead to the conversion of many souls, and to secure for those souls saving graces at their death. Copies were to be made without delay, and to be distributed with confidence.

The scapular was distinct from others in that it was not part of the habit of a confraternity; there was no special formula to bless it and no limit to its use. It had only to be blessed by a priest, and worn or carried by a person in need of conversion — ranging from atheists to the lukewarm. It could even be placed, unbeknownst to the person for whom you prayed, among their belongings, their clothes, or in their room or bed. It was made efficacious by a simple prayer, to be said daily either by the person who has received it, or by its giver: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

The Blessed Virgin emphasized one thing repeatedly — the magnitude of the graces unleashed by this devotion are in direct proportion to the confidence which accompanies it: “If it be given with confidence, there will be a great number of conversions.” As always, history has borne out what the Blessed Virgin has confided.

The green scapular teaches us the untold power of spiritual friendship and intercessory prayer. There have been an incalculable number of conversions through its application. And yet, how many more will there be as our confidence and our love grows?