With the Hail Mary, we ask that Mary ‘pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.’
But did you know Mary also promises her protection at the hour of our death with the special Black Scapular?
The Scapular of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, or the Black Scapular, began shortly after Pope Alexander IV confirmed the Order of Servants of Mary in 1255.
Some of the Servites developed a devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, eventually forming the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows. They wore a black scapular, like the black habit of their Order. In 1611, Pope Paul V approved indulgences for members of the confraternity and wearers of the scapular.
Any baptized person, regardless of age or gender, who is willing to undertake the obligations stipulated by the order may be enrolled in the Black Scapular.
These obligations include wearing the scapular and praying for 15 minutes daily for the Servite order and the Church. The Chaplet of Seven Sorrows is recommended, including at least one Hail Mary and one Hail Holy Queen. Performing some act of mercy towards those suffering bodily, spiritually, or mentally is also encouraged.
For the Black Scapular, the only requirement is that it be made of black woolen cloth.
The benefits of membership include participation in the life of the Servite order, a share in all their works and prayers, an opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of the life of Christ and His mother, and receiving a plenary indulgence. Additionally, Our Lady of Sorrows promised that anyone who meditates on her seven dolors will receive her special protection at the hour of death.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death!
Did you know this special scapular places you under the protection of Saint Michael the Archangel?
Did you know there is a scapular that combines five of the best scapulars in the Church into one?
Do you know how to use the surprisingly simple but powerful green scapular!
Photo credit: Majella1851, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
