Thursday, June 13, 2013

Receiving the Carmelite Scapular



This past Saturday, I was received into formation by the  Discalced Secular Carmelites. This was a day I had prepared for all year. Each month, I had some material to read and a short list of questions to answer.  Then, once a month, I had classes and help with discerning whether being a Secular Carmelite was what I really wanted to do. I had to apply, have references checked and be interviewed by the Council to confirm my vocation.

I had an instant reaction of joy from the start at the idea of becoming a Carmelite. The year prior to that, I had read the biography of St. Teresa of Avila and I was also studying contemplative prayer and preparing to write a book about it. St. Teresa appealed to me because of her emotional intensity and spiritual fervor, but the more I got to know her, the more I saw what a balanced soul she had. After a tumultuous period, she emerged in equilibrium, detached from her emotions. St. Teresa began her unique style of contemplative prayer life while she was in her 40's. In all of her years before of a nun, she had difficulty with silent prayer until a midlife breakthrough helped her complete her process of total union with God.

I had just entered my forties and was having a pretty bad midlife crisis myself. I did not like what I had done with my life and where it had led. St. Teresa gave me hope and inspiration. I decided if I could accomplish only one thing in my life, it would be to grow as close to God as I could. I had spent years following different "spiritual paths" that ultimately led nowhere and I was determined this time to devote my life to Christ.

The large scapular is an outward symbol of that. We don't have to wear the large ones every day under our clothes, but we can and some do. In lieu of that, the smaller scapular or scapular medal may be worn, but after being received as a Carmelite, the only time the scapular should ever be removed is to take a shower. I even read somewhere recently that there are Carmelites who will not remove their scapular even in the shower. Whereas members of the confraternity and those who wear the scapular as a devotion receive graces and benefits, I have just joined an order and the scapular is my habit- although normally nobody knows I'm even wearing it.

I've been wearing a small scapular all year that a good friend of mine gave me, but the meaning of the scapular keeps deepening for me. Wearing the scapular is a symbol of the yoke of Christ. It is also a symbol of servitude, because the original scapulars were like aprons. The scapular is also a symbol of being under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I'm developing fairly slowly in my relationship with Mary but I do feel the connection to her through the scapular. Last weekend, my formation director gave me a small scapular that came from Mt Carmel in Israel. I have four scapulars and a scapular medal now. Tiny little squares of cloth have become precious to me because they remind me that I am precious in the eyes of God.

9 comments:

  1. Congratulation and many blessings on your journey! We had the joy, as well, as clothing two members in the scapular this past Sunday.

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    1. Thanks. It's definitely a turning point in life and one of the best decisions I think I've ever made.

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  2. Outward symbols of religious believe seem to be of paramount importance to their wearers. I'm reminded of another religion I've inquired into the Later Day Saints or the Mormons. An individual that is received into the LDS first goes through what as known as temple endowments. These are conducted in in special buildings known as temples, which are only open to the initiated. In receiving the endowment ceremony one first undergoes ritual washing and then they receive their garments, which are special under apparel they are instructed never to remove, except for bathing and for intimacy. There is a great deal of folklore about these garments offering special protection against all manner of harm. For example, Mormon soldiers who have been to war report them repelling bullets.
    Parallels are to be found among other religious groups as well. For example, those in the Islamic world are well known, such as the hajab. Only women of this persuasion wear this, but men must never shave or trim their beards.
    The list goes on and these external talisman of belief seem to be upmost importance to their adherents. Why even those of no particular faith have their tokens as well such as lucky rabbit's feet. Whatever gets you through the day!

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    1. http://phatcatholic.blogspot.com/2011/05/is-scapular-just-another-catholic.html

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    3. Thanks, "Well not quite so," for explaining that so precisely and perfectly. Thanks also for the warm welcome.

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    4. In response to PolWilder...The large brown Scapular is used only in community or during mass on the feasts of Carmelite saints but is not worn outside in the secular world nor is the personal smaller brown scapular exposed to the secular world around us. Carmel is a way of life which is living in union with God and a "Sign of Affiliation" with the Carmelite Order and NOT a "symbol" of religious belief. The Carmelite Order is of one family with different levels i.e.
      Monks (friars), Monastic Nuns, Sisters and Laity. All of them living under the Rule of St. Albert, under the mantle of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and living the same "Charisms". One just does not "join" but is "Called" by invitation extended by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and a number of discerning years goes on to be certain they are being called to Carmel. This is not a matter of "what floats your boat"; it’s a genuine burning love to be in the presence with God all day, every day you live....

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  3. Congratulations, Laura. I hope OCDS works out for you. This is a time for grace!

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  4. Thank you, Connie! Sorry, not sure how I missed your message but thanks for your support <3

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