What is the Fivefold Scapular?

This very useful booklet explains the origin and history of the Fivefold Scapular, and also of all the individual scapulars that it consists of, along with obligations and indulgences

The fivefold scapular as known today was in origin fourfold. Only with the approval of the Red Scapular of the Passion, in 1847, did it become known as the Fivefold Scapular. In 1803 the Redemptorist fathers were granted special faculties, in perpetuity, by the Holy See to bless and invest the scapulars, and to enrol the faithful into the respective confraternities, with the exception of the Red, which has no confraternity. Hence, the Fivefold Scapular has been known as a Redemptorist scapular.

In 1886 Pope Leo XIII gave permission to bless and enrol the five scapulars cumulatively and later the Church extended the faculty (to bless and enrol the Fivefold Scapular) to any priest.

The five scapulars are:

The White Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity

The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Black Scapular of the Servites, or of the Seven Dolours of Our Lady

The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception

The Red Scapular of the Passion

It is important to note that those wishing to wear the Fivefold Scapular must be enrolled using the approved formula (provided in this booklet), even if they have been enrolled in one or more of the scapulars that make up the Fivefold Scapular.

The Fivefold Scapular is blessed by any priest at the original investment or enrolling. When a scapular is worn out or soiled, it may be replaced with a new one without a further blessing.

The Fivefold Scapular, itself, is also available from Carmel Books.