There is a decree issued by Pope Paul V in 1613 stating the importance of wearing this scapular: "It is permitted to preach that the Blessed Virgin will help by her continued assistance and her merits, particularly on Saturdays, the souls of the members of the Scapular Confraternity who have died in the grace of God, if in life they had worn the scapular, observed chastity according with their state of life, and recited the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary."
The imposition is done with a scapular of wool. Afterwards, a scapular medal could be worn. The requirements of this devotion are:
- To receive the imposition of the scapular and to wear it habitually.
- To guard one's chastity.
- To pray daily the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin. It could be substituted by praying three Hail Marys; or seven Our Fathers with Hail Mary and Glory Be; or the Divine Office.
The person who is to receive the scapular kneels, and the priest, vested in surplice and white stole, says:
V. Lord, show us your kindness and mercy.
R. And grant us your salvation.
V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of mankind, by your right hand sanctify this scapular, which your servant will devotedly wear for the love of you and of your mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. Byher intercession, may he (she) be protected from the wickedness of the enemy and persevere in your grace until death. You who live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Then the priest sprinkles the scapular with holy water and imposes it upon the person (or upon each person), saying:
Receive this blessed scapular and ask the most holy Virgin that, by her merits, it may be worn with no stain of sin and may protect you from all harm and bring you into everlasting life.
R. Amen.
After this the priest adds:
By the power granted to me, I admit you to a share in all the spiritual works performed with the merciful help of Jesus Christ by the religious of Mount Carmel. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
May almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, bless you, whom he has been pleased to receive into the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. We beg her to crush the head of the ancient serpent in the hour of your death and to obtain for you the palm and the crown of your everlasting inheritance. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
The priest sprinkles the person with holy water. For several persons, the prayers are said in the plural.
If the scapular is to be blessed alone, then the blessing begins with Lord, show us your kindness and mercy, and concludes with the prayer O Lord Jesus Christ.
