The Green Scapular and The Immaculate Heart of Mary

 J.M.J.
The Green Scapular
Taken from "The Green Scapular Leaflet"
(http://olrl.org/pray/greenscapular.shtml); available for 3 cents ea.
Ten years after the manifestation of the Miraculous Medal to St.
Catherine Laboure, the Blessed Virgin Mary, on September 8, 1840, the
Feast of her Nativity, entrusted the Green Scapular of her Immaculate
Heart to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, a religious of the Daughters of
Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Our Lady promised that this new
Scapular would contribute to the conversion of souls, particularly
those who have no faith, and would procure for them a happy death.
The Green Scapular is a single piece of green felt and braid with an
image of Mary on one side and Her Immaculate Heart pierced by a sword
and dripping blood on the other side. Her Heart is surmounted by a
cross and encircled by the words: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for
us now and at the hour of our death." The Green Scapular is truly a
remarkable piece of cloth. The devil has no power over whoever makes
it, wears it or spreads devotion to it. All who wear the Green
Scapular confirm to the evil one, that they are agents of the Mother
of God and the devil knows he is powerless to hurt them. God wills
the Green Scapular to become a badge . . . a most sure barrier to the
evil one's assault upon the soul.
The manner of using the scapular was indicated by the Blessed Virgin.
Since it is not the emblem of a confraternity but simply a double
image attached to a single piece of cloth, no investiture is
necessary. The only requirement is that the Green Scapular be blessed
by a priest and worn or carried by the person wishing to benefit by
it. If however, the person in need of grace is obstinate, the Green
Scapular may be placed secretly inside his clothing, home or
possessions, and the giver should say the prayer instead. The only
prayer necessary, which may be said many times daily, but should be
said at least once a day is: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us
now and at the hour of our death." Although many graces are obtained,
they are proportionate to the confidence with which it is given. The
Green Scapular was approved by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1863 and again
in 1870. He said: " write to these good Sisters that I authorize them
to make and distribute it."
Rev. Leo Steinbach's experiences with the Green Scapular of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary
When I first came in contact with this devotion, I read an
explanation which seemed to give the impression that it was intended
only for lax Christians. I thought it might be useless for me since I
had very little contact with Christians, be they good, bad or
indifferent. My contacts were mostly with Buddhists and Shintoists
whom I was trying to christianize. However I put a few scapulars in
my pocket and decided to try one out. That very day I went to a
nearby hospital where I discovered a non-Christian woman patient who
had been unconscious for 10 days previously. The doctor explained to
me that she would very probably die within three days without
regaining consciousness. He and a nurse escorted me to the room. I
addressed the sick woman but she gave no indication whatsoever that
she understood a word I was saying. Thereupon I took a green scapular
from my pocket, applied it to her forehead and repeated the
invocation, "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the
hour of our death."
And what happened? The woman immediately regained consciousness,
joined her hands and very devoutly asked God to forgive her sins. I
was amazed. The doctor and the nurse both non-Christians were also
flabbergasted. I immediately instructed and baptized the dying
patient that same day much to her joy. She remained perfectly
conscious for three days more during which time she very devoutly
received Holy Viaticum. She breathed her last while praying to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Another incident is related: An 80-year-old non-Christian lady said
she would like to visit the church in her vicinity but she was unable
to walk because of arthritis. Every winter both her ankles and wrists
were swollen and very painful. She was given a green scapular which
she applied daily but since she could not remember the prayer she
merely asked the Mother of Christ for help. Within a few days she was
completely cured. After a brief instruction and Baptism, she attended
mass daily and always received Holy Communion. She kept up this habit
for two years until she was called to her reward. During this interval
she converted her aged friend who lived just across the street from
her home and she had the happiness of being her godmother. Her good
husband, a staunch Shintoist, also treasured his green scapular but
no one could induce him to become a Christian. However, just three
days before he died, he had a change of heart. He died very happily
after receiving the sacraments.
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OLRL offers the Green Scapular for only 15 cents ea.
(http://olrl.org/sacramental/greenscapular.shtml). The Green Scapular
leaflet is available for 3 cents ea. Visit our Store at
http://olrl.org/mm5/merchant.mvc for these and all the items we
offer.
The Green Scapular leaflet is available in Spanish on our website at
http://olrl.org/Spanish.shtml.
Read also "Mary's Gift of the Green Scapular" -- English:
http://olrl.org/pray/gscapular.shtml
or Spanish: http://olrl.org/pray/gscapular_s.shtml.

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