On July 16, 1251, in the town of Aylesford in England, Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite. She gave him the Brown Scapular. According to Carmelite tradition, anyone who wears the Brown Scapular faithfully – while remaining faithful to the Virgin Mary – will be saved from eternal fire and delivered from Purgatory early. It is usually perceived as a pledge of peace, a sign of salvation, and protection in danger.
People observe this day in a variety of
different ways. Some people merely go to a service dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel or take some time to pray to the Blessed Virgin. Others have a priest enroll them in the Brown Scapular – which allows them to wear it as a sign of their devotion to the Virgin Mary.
On Monday, July 24, following the 9 AM Mass, the Legion of Mary will have a dedication to Our Lady of Mt Carmel. Fr. Anda will bless Brown Scapulars and Our Lady of Mt Carmel prayer cards which will be given to all. Father will also enroll all those wishing to be enrolled in the Brown Scapular. To obtain all the promises attached to the Brown Scapular, you have to be formally enrolled by a priest or a layperson who has been given this faculty. Once you are enrolled, any other scapular need not be blessed before wearing because the blessing and imposition are attached to the wearer for life.