The Blue Scapular Prayer Book

T heology of the B lue S capular Along with the rosary, the scapular, is one of the oldest and most popular forms of devotion to the Most Holy Virgin. It is considered to be one of the so-called sacramentals or “sacramentalia.” In many of her apparitions (to St. Dominic, to the Servant of God Ursula Benincasa, and to the Fatima children) the Blessed Mother has pointed to the scapular as a means of sanctification and salvation. The Church, too, often recommends its use. Church’s Approval The Marian sacramentals or sacramentalia are deeply valued by the Church. The Second Vatican Council says: The sacred synod teaches this Catholic doctrine advisedly and at the same time admonishes all the sons of the Church that the cult, especially the liturgical cult, of the Blessed Virgin, be generously fostered, and that the practices and exercises of devotion towards her, recommended by the teaching authority of the Church in the 34