Catholic sacramentals · Scapularies
Historical origin: Family of the Servants of Mary, Middle and Modern.
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 Black Scapular comes from the habit of the Servants of Mary, an order born in Florence in the 13th century and dedicated in a particular way to contemplating Mary by the cross. The small form was linked to the fraternities of the Dolores and the meditation of the Seven Dolores of the Virgin. His history cannot be separated from a spirituality of compassion, penance and service to those who suffer; reducing him to material protection would betray his origin.
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 is received according to the rite and the rules of the servite family. He invites us to remain with Christ in the pain of others and to pray, not to expect immunity from suffering.
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
