Catholic sacramentals · Scapularies
Historical origin: Italy, siglos XVI–XVII; familia teatina.
What is and what is not
This object or practice belongs to the field of Catholic piety and must be understood from the general doctrine of the sacramentals. The sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church who, by their prayer, prepare to receive grace and sanctify the circumstances of life. They do not confer grace in the same way as the seven sacraments and do not act automatically. Matter, color, or form have no magic power.
History
The Blue Scapular is linked to devotion to the Immaculate Conception and to the venerable Ursula Benincasa (1547-1618), founder of a contemplative community linked to the Teatines. The tradition attributes to mystical experiences of 1581 and 1617 the impulse of a small blue dress. In the following centuries the Church regulated his blessing and imposition and associated it with a fellowship. The dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception came in 1854, but the faith celebrated by this devotion had an earlier history.
Its development is inserted into a broader Christian history. From the first centuries, the faithful used the sign of the cross, blessings, water, oil, clothing, pilgrimage and images to keep alive the memory of Baptism and the communion of the saints. In the Middle Ages, the cofradies and reduced forms of religious habits grew; the Modern Age multiplied rituals, medals and sanctuary memories. The contemporary liturgical reform called for a review of these practices so that they lead to the liturgy, sprout from it and avoid superstitions.
Christian use and blessing
It expresses the desire to live the baptismal grace and to imitate the availability of Mary. Obligations or indulgences are established in existing rules, not in old brochures.
The blessing must be done with a rite approved and by the competent minister. The faithful responds to that prayer by living the Gospel: faith, hope, charity, participation in the Eucharist, confession when necessary and works of mercy. A sacramental does not replace a medical consultation, a prudent decision or moral duty.
doctrinal sources for deepening
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1667-1679
- Code of Canon Law, 1166-1172
- Directory on popular piety and liturgy
