What Is a Scapular?

The full sized scapular is worn over the monastic habit of many religious orders. It is a covers the area from one shoulder to the other and is made of cloth. The length of the scapular reaches just above the feet in the front and the back.

The scapular was made smaller in the 16th century with many different images on the scapular depending upon the religious order. In 1910 the Pope approved the use of the scapular medal which must contain the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Mother of God. Four way scapular medals meet this requirement.

There are 18 different small scapulars:

1. The Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity
2. The Scapular of our Lady of Ransom
3. The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
4. The Black Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary
5. The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception
6. The Scapular of the Most Precious Blood
7. The Black Scapular of the Passion
8. The Red Scapular of the Passion
9. The Scapular of the Blessed Virgin Mary 'Help of the Sick'
10. The Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
11. The Scapular of St. Michael the Archangel
12. The Scapular of St. Benedict
13. The Scapular of the Mother of Good Counsel
14. The Scapular of St. Joseph
15. The Scapular of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
16. The Scapular of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
17. The Scapular of St. Dominic
18. The Scapular of the Holy Face

The Four Way Scapular Medal

The Four Way Scapular Medal meets the requirements of the scapular set by the Pope's Holy Office. The four way cross medal depicts the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the top, His Holy Mother Mary is at the bottom of the cross in the Miraculous Medal. Not only does the Catholic four way medal have Jesus and Mary, but it also includes St. Christopher on the right and St. Joseph on the left. The Holy Spirit is in the center of the four-way cross and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is on the back of the medal. The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Scapular is the one that is the most recognizable to all Catholics.

The four way medal also has the words, "I am a Catholic, please call a priest" on the back. This is very important in case of an emergency and the person wearing the scapular medal is unable to speak. Wearing a four way scapular medal also gives indulgences, depending upon the length of time it has been worn.