Amazing Miracles of the Scapular
The scapular is not only a sure sign of salvation, but it is also a sacramental that attracts divine blessings for those who use it with piety and devotion. In this presentation, we will highlight some of the most astonishing miracles and conversions associated with Our Lady of Mount Carmel for those who wear the scapular with love and devotion.
The story begins in 1241 when St. Simon Stock had a vision of the Holy Virgin. At that time, the Baron de Gray of England was returning from the Crusades in Palestine. He brought back with him a group of religious monks from Mount Carmel. Upon their arrival, the Baron generously presented them with a house in the town of Aylesford.
Ten years later, this location became the site of the famous apparition of Our Lady to St. Simon Stock. As the Holy Virgin handed him the brown woolen scapular, she declared, "This shall be the privilege for you and all Carmelites: anyone dying in this habit shall not suffer eternal fire." Over time, the Church extended this magnificent privilege to all the faithful who are willing to be invested in the brown scapular of the Carmelites and who wear it perpetually.
Many Catholics receive the brown scapular at the time of their first Holy Communion, while converts typically receive it during their profession of faith.
To this day, the devotion to the Scapular of Carmel remains notable for the numerous verifiable miracles associated with it. This deeply cherished devotion among many believers is linked to numerous extraordinary accounts that highlight divine intervention in the lives of the faithful. These miraculous events stand as strong evidence of the spiritual importance and effectiveness of the Scapular in strengthening one’s relationship with God and receiving His grace.
A prominent supporter is St. Cláudio de La Colombière, a Jesuit priest known for his piety and dedication. He was the confessor to St. Margaret Mary of Alacoque, famous for her visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Cláudio’s writings and his commitment to the Scapular of Carmel have significantly promoted this devotion, underlining its importance and the transformative experiences of those who follow it.
Here are 9 Amazing Miracles of the Scapular:
1. The First Miracle of Conversion
On the same day that Our Lady gave the scapular to St. Simon Stock, a nobleman named Peter of Linton urgently called for him: “Come quickly, Father, for my brother is dying in despair!” St. Simon Stock immediately went to the dying man. As soon as he arrived, he placed his great scapular over the man and asked Our Blessed Mother to keep her promise. The man ultimately repented and died in the grace and love of God.
2. The Scapular, that Resisted the Grave
Just twenty-five years after Our Lady of Carmel delivered the scapular to St. Simon, Pope St. Gregory X died and was buried with his scapular. When his grave was opened 600 years later, the scapular was still intact. Two great founders of religious orders, St. Alphonsus Liguori of the Redemptorists and St. John Bosco of the Salesians, had a special devotion to Our Lady of Carmel and wore the brown scapular. When they died, they were both buried in their priestly robes along with their scapulars.
Many years later, when their graves were opened, their bodies and the sacred robes with which they were buried had already decomposed, but the brown scapulars they wore remained perfectly intact. The scapular of Saint Alphonsus Maria is now displayed in the monastery he founded in Rome.
3. The Scapular, that Calmed a Storm at Sea
In 1845, the ship "King of the Ocean" left London for Australia. Among the passengers was James Fisher, an English Protestant pastor, with his wife and two children, aged 9 and 7. The journey was smooth initially, but once in the Indian Ocean, a powerful northwest storm struck. The waves crashed violently, sails tore apart, and the ship’s wooden structure seemed fragile against the fierce winds and waves that stormy night. The crew commanded all passengers to go below. With no other options, commands were shouted, cries of despair echoed, and pleas for mercy filled the air. Mr. Fisher, his family, and others went to the deck, encouraging everyone to pray for forgiveness and mercy.
During the chaos, a young Irish sailor from County Louth, named John McAuliffe, unbuttoned his shirt and took off a scapular from around his neck. Holding it up like a cross, he threw it into the sea. Miraculously, the raging waters began to calm, and the storm soon subsided. A small wave returned the scapular to the young sailor just minutes after he cast it into the ocean. The ship safely arrived at Botany.
Only the Fishers witnessed the sailor's gesture and the miraculous return of the scapular. With deep reverence, they approached him and asked about the significance of the simple brown cloth marked with BVM. After understanding its meaning, they promised to embrace the faith protected by the powerful Virgin of Carmel, Our Lady, Mother of Jesus.
Upon reaching Sydney, Australia, they visited a small wooden chapel dedicated to Santa Maria, which now stands as a magnificent Church. There, they were welcomed into the Church by Father Paulding, who later became an archbishop.
4. The Scapular, that Saved a House from Fire
In May 1957, a Carmelite priest recounted a remarkable incident involving a neighborhood of row houses that burned in Westboden, Germany. Two devout families living there noticed the fire and quickly hung a scapular on their door.
In just five hours, 22 houses were destroyed, but one house remained completely untouched, the one with the scapular on its door. Hundreds of witnesses testified to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession, shielding that residence from the flames.
5. The Scapular, the Devil Wanted to Throw Away
One day, blessed Francis Ypes noticed that the scapular he often wore had fallen off. As he was about to put it back on, he heard a demonic voice say, “Throw away this cloak that snatches so many souls from hell!” The gentle Francis Ypes then proved to the enemy that the Most Holy Name of Jesus, the Most Holy Name of Mary, and the Holy Scapular of Carmel are sources of great fear for demons.
6. The Scapular that Saved the Carmelite in the Holy Land
In 1944, a caring Carmelite missionary in the Holy Land was called to give the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. His driver, an Arab, dropped him off about six kilometres away from the site because the road was too dangerous due to mud. As the missionary walked several miles, he felt his feet sinking deeper into the mud until he slipped into a mud pit and started to sink. Remembering Our Lady and her scapular, he kissed his scapular, looked up at Mount Carmel, and called out, “Our Lady of Carmel! Holy Mother! Help me! Save me!”
The next thing he knew, he was on firm ground. “I know I was saved by the Blessed Virgin through her brown scapular. I lost my shoes in that mud and was almost completely covered in it, but I managed to walk the remaining three kilometers, always praising Our Lady.”
7. The Scapular That Saved a Man Hit by a Train
In early 20th-century Ashtabula, Ohio, a man was seriously injured after being struck by a train. Remarkably, he stayed conscious for 45 minutes, long enough for a priest to arrive and perform the last rites. His survival amid grave injuries puzzled many, with the only explanation being the scapular he wore around his neck.
8. The Scapular That Saved a Priest's Life
A French priest on pilgrimage realized he had forgotten his scapular. Concerned about missing Mass, he returned to retrieve it, unable to imagine celebrating at Our Lady’s altar without it. During Mass, a young man attacked him from behind with a weapon. To everyone's amazement, the priest carried on as if nothing had happened. Later, it was discovered that the bullet had lodged in the small brown scapular he had insisted on bringing.
9. The Scapular that Saved a Young Woman in an Airplane Crash
In November 1955, a plane crash in Guatemala killed 27 passengers, except for a young woman who sensed danger. She grabbed her scapular and prayed to the Blessed Virgin of Carmel for help. Although she suffered severe burns and her clothing was burned away, the scapular remained untouched by the flames.
These incidents stand as historical miracles that have profoundly shaped my journey as a Carmelite, inspiring me to embrace and spread the spirituality of our flourishing Carmelite tradition. Each morning, I begin my day with a gentle kiss on my brown scapular, a cherished symbol of my faith and offer a heartfelt prayer to Our Lady, saying, “Blessed Mother, I am all thine and all that I have is thine!” In this moment of devotion, I feel reassured that Mary will guide me in staying close to Jesus, especially as I confront the numerous challenges and temptations that threaten my religious life.
The scapular serves not just as a physical token but as a source of strength that empowers me to faithfully live out my commitment to my vocation. I am also pleased to have been ordained as a priest on this special day (16th July, 2013), under Marian protection. It is a sacramental, a means through which I am better disposed to receive the graces necessary for my spiritual growth. This grace enables me to embody the truths of our faith, champion justice within society, and contribute meaningfully to the Church.
I take immense pride in being a Carmelite and wear my scapular as a visible testament of my love for Mary and my unwavering trust in her intercessory powers. To me, it is more than just an emblem; it is a profound declaration of my reliance on her maternal guidance and support. The more profound truth is that I wear the scapular because I recognize my need for Mary’s assistance in keeping me anchored to her Son, Jesus. I seek her help to remain steadfast on the path that ultimately leads to Eternal Life, both in Heaven and here on Earth.
The scapular itself represents an external sign of the intimate filial relationship that exists between the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom we honour as the Mother and Queen of Mount Carmel and the faithful who place their complete trust in her protective embrace. Those of us who wear it acknowledge our dependence on her maternal intercession. We are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our spiritual life, constantly seeking prayer and nourishment for our souls.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
Pray for us!
Dr. Nicholas Macedon OCD
Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford.
9698453101
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