The Blue Scapular Prayer Book

126 the B.V.M. This permission was reaffirmed on March 19, 2005, also granting the power of sub- delegating Marian priests and deacons. On July 16, 2008, this authority was extended to include non-Marians, according to Canon 1169 of the Code of Canon Law. Thus, according to their centuries-long tradition, the Marians establish Confraternities of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM, in which membership is marked externally by wearing the Blue Scapular. Conducting the confraternities of the Immaculate Conception is one of the important means by which the Congregation of Marian Fathers spreads devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God and assists the souls suffering in Purgatory.