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This Handbook is acomprehensive source ofinformation, instructions,and prayers necessary forthose who want to jointhe Confraternity of theImmaculate Conceptionand desire to live out thespirituality of the MarianFathers. As the essentialsign of belonging to the

Confraternity, the faithful wear is the Blue Scapular.The Marian Fathers Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Virgin Mary has existed since the 18th century. BlessedStanislaus Papczyski (16311701), Founder of the Marians,considered the spreading of devotion to the Immaculate Conception ofthe Mother of God one of his Orders principal goals. He ferventlyencouraged his spiritual sons to establish Confraternities of theImmaculate Conception at the Marians churches. His wish wasreflected already in the Orders first Rule from 1694-1698.

The Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception is a privateassociation of the faithful who, living in the world and participating inthe spirituality, apostolate, and mission of the Congregation of MarianFathers, particularly spread devotion to the Immaculate Conception ofthe Mother of God and pray for the deceased, while striving forChristian perfection. Confraternity members share in the spiritualbenefits of the Marians. They also have the privilege obtaining a plenaryindulgence on the day of admission into the Confraternity and conferralof the scapular, as well as on the other particular feasts and solemnitieslisted in this Handbook.

07200003

THE BLUE SCAPULARHANDBOOK FOR MEMBERS OF

THE MARIAN FATHERS CONFRATERNITY OFTHE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OFTHE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

To the Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Queen of the Holy Scapular, our Mother and Protectress,

who shows us with her own life the surest way of imitating her Son.

With filial love.

THE BLUE SCAPULARHANDBOOK FOR MEMBERS OF

THE MARIAN FATHERS CONFRATERNITY OFTHE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OFTHE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Andrew R. Maczynski, MICEditing and Compiling

2012

Copyright 2012 for both text and photos by the MarianFathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.

All world rights reserved.

For texts from the English Edition of the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska Divine Mercy in My Soul,

Copyright 1987 Congregation of Marians

Written and edited with the collaboration of:Michael B. Callea, MICAnthony Gramlich, MIC

S. Seraphim Michalenko, MICKonstanty Osinski

Translated from Polish:Marina Batiuk, Ewa St. Jean

Proofreaders:David Came, Richard Drabik, MIC, Christine Kruszyna,

Page design: Marina Batiuk

Front cover: Woman of the Apocalypse Most Blessed VirginMary, Immaculately Conceived. Painting by Janis Balabon,2010. General House of the Marian Fathers in Rome, Italy.

Imprimi potestVery Rev. Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC,

Superior of the B.V.M., Mother of Mercy ProvinceDecember 8, 2011

ISBN 978-1-59614-248-0

Published through the efforts of the General Promoter ofthe Marian Fathers Confraternity of

the Immaculate Conception of the Most B.V.M.

Second revised and expanded editionPrinted in the United States of America

..............................................................................was accepted into

THE CONFRATERNITYOF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

OF THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARYwhich entitles

him/her to share spiritually in the life, prayers, and good works of

the Congregation of Marian Fathers ofthe Immaculate Conception ofthe Most Blessed Virgin Mary

and was vested in

THE BLUE SCAPULARwhich grants him/her participation in plenary indulgences and special graces

approved by the Holy See. The name of the new member was inscribed in

the Confraternity Register.The ceremony of admission and investiture took place at

......................................................................................

and was performed by

Rev. ....................................................

Date

PREFACE ...................................................... 111. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CONGREGATION OF

MARIAN FATHERS AND HISTORY OFTHE CONFRATERNITY OF THE IMMACULATECONCEPTION............................................ 15

Brief History of the Congregation of Marian Fathers ...................................... 15Outline of History of Marian Fathers .. 17History of the Confraternity of theImmaculate Conception ..........................18

2. HISTORY OF THE SCAPULAR OFTHE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION .............. 25

What is a scapular?................................ 25 Types of scapulars ................................ 26 Blue Scapular........................................ 28

3. THEOLOGY OF THE BLUE SCAPULAR.......... 33The Churchs approval ........................ 33 Biblical foundations .............................. 36 Mystical meaning.................................. 38 Spirituality of the of Contemplative Nuns of the Immaculate Conception .............. 39 Special graces ...................................... 40 Symbolism............................................ 41 Role of the scapular.............................. 42

4.AVAILING ONESELF OF GRACES ASSOCIATEDWITH THE CONFRATERNITY OF THEIMMACULATE CONCEPTION AND WEARING THEBLUE SCAPULAR .......................................... 43

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8Responsibilities of people acceptingthe Blue Scapular and becoming membersof the Confraternity of the ImmaculateConception .......................................... 43Nature of the Confraternity of theImmaculate Conception. Its goals and spiri-tual benefits .......................................... 44Indulgences attached to the Scapular of theImmaculate Conception..........................48

5. ADMISSION TO THE CONFRATERNITY OF THEIMMACULATE CONCEPTION AND INVESTITUREWITH THE BLUE SCAPULAR.......................... 49

Order of Admission and Investiture........ 50Introductory Rite .................................... 50Reading .................................................. 51Intercessions ............................................ 52Prayer of Blessing .................................... 54Admission to the Confraternity .............. 55Investiture with the Blue Scapular .......... 57Concluding Rite ...................................... 58

Additional Explanations ........................ 596. PRAYERS TO OUR LADY

IMMACULATELY CONCEIVED .................... 63Daily offering of oneself to the BlessedMother...................................................... 63Chaplet of Ten Evangelical Virtues ...... 64Angelus ................................................ 65Prayer of St. Bernard (Memorare) ........ 66Prayer to Mary according to St. Bernard of Clairvaux ...................... 67

9Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina) ........ 67We Fly to Your Patronage .................... 68Prayer to Mary Immaculate for a life of holiness.................................... 68Prayer for the Solemnity of the ImmaculateConception (by Blessed John Paul II) ...... 70Litany of Loreto ...................................... 71Litany of the Immaculate Conception .. 73Litany of the Mysteries of Marys life.... 76Litany to the Immaculate Heart of Mary(by Blessed John Newman) .................... 77Novena before the Solemnity of theImmaculate Conception ...................... 78

7. PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED .................... 83Prayers for the Departed for every day ofthe week .............................................. 83Prayer for all the Deceased .................. 86Prayer for the Deceased (by Blessed John Newman) .................................... 87Act of Heroic Love .............................. 88Act of Mercy for Souls in Purgatory .... 89Litany for the Souls in Purgatory.......... 89

8. PRAYERS FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS ANDFOR DIVINE MERCY UPON THE WORLD ...... 93

Prayer for sinners.................................. 93Act of Oblation for Sinners .................. 94Prayer to The Divine Mercy ................ 95Prayer for Divine Mercy ...................... 96Prayer for a Merciful Heart .................. 97

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Act of Trust in The Divine Mercy ........ 97Litany of Praises of The Divine Mercy .. 98The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy ...... 100Act of Entrusting the World to The Divine Mercy (by Blessed John Paul II) ........................ 101

9. CONTACT INFORMATION.......................... 10210. APPENDIX ................................................ 103

PRIMARY BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES1. Uwiadomienie o sukience albo szkaplerzu Niepokalanego Po-

czcia Najwitszej Maryi Panny, ktry si rozdaje wszelkiegostanu ludziom przez WW. OO. Maryanw, Berdyczw1773.

2. St. Papczyski, The Rule of Life, Stockbridge, Mass.,1980.

3. J. Kosmowski MIC, Marianie w latach 1787-1864,Warszawa-Lublin 2004.

4. T. Rogalewski, MIC, Lumen Marianorum, StanislausPapczyski (1631-1701), Founder of the Order of Mariansand Inspirer of the Marian School of Spirituality, Stock-bridge, 2001.

5. Z. Proczek MIC, Str duchowego dziedzictwa marianw;wybr pism o. Kazimierza Wyszyskiego, Warszawa Stockbridge, 2004.

6. M. de Magalhes, Santa Beatriz da Silva, uma gloria dePortugal, Lisboa, 1989.

7. LAbitino Ceruleo dellImmaculata, in: Regnum Dei, Col-lectanea Theatina, Anno X, Aprili-Junio, 1954, Num.33, pp. 97-114.

8. A. Oliver, C.R., Ursula Benincasa, Una vida entre elCielo y la Tierra, Madrid, 1983.

9. Book of Blessings, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville,Minnesota 1989.

One might ask: Does it make sense to promotethe scapular today when even members of religiouscommunities willingly substitute secular clothingfor the habit and scapular? Does it make sense toencourage the faithful to wear the scapular whenthe tendency we observe is to break with the pastand negate those forms of piety which were anexpression of the religious attitudes of past genera-tions, and to look to the future and live by what isnew?

And yet there are things in the Church which areeternal, which always remain current, while thethings which are transitory, associated with a par-ticular epoch, soon become part of history to makeroom for new things. It is often the case that thingswith eternal value must be adapted to a certaindegree in this life, because our religious awarenessof them develops and deepens over time.

It is in this living, creative memory of theChurch that her strength lies. It is expressed inDivine worship, especially in liturgical prayer. Everygesture, every word, has its own history and, flow-ing from it, its contemporary meaning. Everychange is a step aheadan expression of a growingawareness of its meaning in the Church. There is aprofound truth in the axiom: lex orandilex cre-dendi (the formula of prayer constitutes the for-

PREFACE

mula of faith). Yes, prayer expresses the faith of thegreat, holy community of the Church in the HolySpirit. Is wearing a scapular today, then, not anexample of the old which becomes new? Does itnot, in a new way, meet the needs of contemporarypeople who, having run full circle, have nowreturned to the world of signs and symbols? Afterall, contemporary mentality is described as picto-rialbuilt on symbolic images.

The Blue Scapular provides such a pictorialcode, so rich in meaning: a sign of ones consecra-tion to service, a sign of assumed obligations, anda sign of the Churchs blessing. As a result, thescapular becomes a shield and protection againstinfernal temptations, as well as a sign and image ofputting on the new person.

Of course, the mere object, the mere signdevoid of its essence, means absolutely nothing.The Church has always cautioned against treatingsigns as magic. We do not pray to a statue but tothe Blessed Mother whom this statue represents.We do not pray to a painting but to the holy per-son which it depicts. Similarly, the scapular is not atalisman but a sign and this is an entirely differ-ent matter. The scapular testifies to a choice madeby a rational and free person. It is also a sign oftrust that the Immaculate One, whom we loveand whom we want to serve, accepts our devotionand enfolds us under the mantle of her protection.

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Would that, through the ministry of my con-frres, in promoting the Blue Scapular of the Im-maculate Conception of the Most Blessed VirginMary, her motherly love might reach all torment-ed hearts, to comfort, strengthen, and fill themwith the joy whose source is her Son, Jesus Christ.

Very Rev. Adam Boniecki, MICSuperior General

of the Congregation of Marian Fathers

Rome, December 8, 1995,on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary

This image of Mary Immaculate is from the title page of the Portuguese edition

of Information about the Garment or Scapular of the Immaculate Conception,

published by the Marians in 1758.

Brief History of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.

The Congregation of Marian Fathers was found-ed in 1673. Thus, it has existed for over three cen-turies now and is the first mens religious Orderestablished in Poland. It was founded by a PoleBlessed Fr. Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski(1631-1701), born in Podegrodzie, near StarySacz, in southern Poland. The Order got its start inthe Marian Forest, near Skierniewice in the Mazo-via district. In 1699, the Holy See approved theOrder of Marians upon the Rule of the Ten Evan-gelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary. BlessedFather Founder set three goals for the new order:

l spreading devotion to the Immaculate Concep-tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

l praying for the faithful departed (souls in Pur-gatory), especially victims of wars and epide-mics, as well as those who were not preparedfor death,

l working apostolically, especially among thespiritually neglected.

BRIEF HISTORY OFTHE CONGREGATION OF MARIAN FATHERSAND HISTORY OF THE CONFRATERNITY OF

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

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Blessed Fr. Papczynski was also a zealous apostleof sobriety, which he made one of the principalcharacteristics of his Order. In its early years, thenew Order met with many difficulties. There weretimes when its very existence was in question.However, the community founded by BlessedStanislaus proved stronger than the many obstaclesit encountered over the centuries.

Thanks to the Venerable Servant of God, Fr.Casimir of St. Joseph Wyszynski (1700-1755), oneof the most faithful followers of the Blessed Found-er, the Order was strengthened and developed dur-ing the 18th century. Under his leadership, newmonasteries were set up in Lithuania, Belarus, andeven as far away as Portugal. His efforts broughtthe Marians new growth, and the Order became aninternational community.

Its members were Poles, Lithuanians, Czechs,Hungarians, Italians, the French, and the Portu-guese. By the second half of the 18th century, theMarians had also founded a monastery in Rome.

This chain of dynamic growth was broken withthe political fall of Poland, and the partition of thatnation at the end of the 18th and during the 19thcenturies. In 1864, on the strength of a decreeissued by the Czarist authorities, the Marian Orderalong with others was outlawed and left to die outslowly. In 1909, just before the death of the onlyremaining member of the Marian Congregation,Fr. George Matulaitis-Matulewicz (1871-1927), a

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priest of Lithuanian descent, professor at the St. Pe-tersburg (Russia) Theological Academy, and laterthe Bishop of Vilnius, secretly joined the Marians.He renovated and reformed the Order, bringing itto life once again. He was beatified by Pope JohnPaul II in 1987.

Currently, the Marians number about 500priests and brothers working in 19 countriesaround the world, including missions in SouthAmerica, Africa, and Asia.

Outline of History of the Marian Fathers

October 24, 1673Founding of the Marians byFather Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski.

November 24, 1699Pope Innocent XIIapproves the Marians as an Order with solemnvows upon the Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtuesof the Most Blessed Virgin Mary that obliged theMarians to wear the Blue Scapular.

1786Holy See approves revised Marian Consti-tutions, which expand apostolic works to includeparish schools and preaching the missions.

18th-19th centuriesMarian monasteries inRome, Portugal, Poland, and Lithuania are sup-pressed by political upheaval.

November 29, 1909Father George Matulaitis-Matulewicz makes his vows and is accepted intothe Marian Order in the presence of the last livingMarian, Fr. Vincent Sekowski.

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November 28, 1910Pope Pius X approves newConstitutions and the revived form of Marian life.

June 28, 1987Beatification of Abp GeorgeMatulaitis-Matulewicz, the Marians Renovator.

September 16, 2007Beatification of Father Sta-nislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski, Founder ofthe Marians.

History of the Confraternity ofthe Immaculate Conception

The Confraternity of the Immaculate Concep-tion has existed with the Congregation of MarianFathers since the 18th century.

Blessed Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski(1631-1701), the Founder of the Marian Fathers,considered spreading devotion to the ImmaculateConception of the Most B.V.M. as one of his Or-ders principal goals. Blessed Founder fervently en-couraged his spiritual sons to establish Confrater-nities of the Immaculate Conception at the Marianchurches. This was already reflected in the first lawsof the Order, issued in 1694-1698. These confra-ternities were meant to provide assistance to PoorSouls suffering in Purgatory because Blessed Stani-slaus associated devotion to the Immaculate Con-ception with helping the faithful departed. Excitedby the idea of giving himself into Marys bondage,he wished not only to live free of evil and sin, butto provide assistance in purification from the stainof sin to all those who were suffering in Purgatory.

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The last chapter of The Rule of the Ten Evange-lical Virtues of the B.V.M., upon which the MarianOrder was approved by the Holy See in 1699,obliged the Marian religious to wear the Scapular ofthe Immaculate Conception of the Most B.V.M.They wore it beneath their white habit. Committedby virtue of their calling to spread devotion to theImmaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother,they wished also to popularize the scapular amongthe faithful.

The Venerable Servant of God Fr. Casimir of St.Joseph Wyszynski (1700-1755) was the firstamong the Marians to approach the Theatine Fa-thers in Rome with the request for permission tobless the Blue Scapular and confer it upon thefaithful. The permission was granted in 1733 withthe obligation of its renewal every three years. TheServant of God resided then in Rome and held theoffice of Procurator General of the Marian Fathers.At that time, the Theatine Fathers were the onlyones with the authority from the Apostolic See todelegate other priests to invest the faithful with theScapular of the Immaculate Conception. FatherWyszynski wished to make the wearing of the BlueScapular and prescribed associated practices one ofthe elements of piety of the above-mentioned Con-fraternity. From that time on, members of theScapular Confraternity or our Confraternity (asthe Marian Fathers began to call the Confraternityof the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. later)

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were registered in the Confraternity Book, and re-ceived the Blue Scapular as a sign of belonging.

The Marian monastery in Gozlin [Poland] stillhouses a leather-bound 18th-century book, whichcontains the names of people admitted to the localConfraternity of the Immaculate Conception of theMost B.V.M. in 1777-1788. The Confraternitymembers, mostly the Marian Fathers benefactors,among whom there were well-known personalities,used to fulfill various services at the local churchduring holy days. As the Confraternity Statutestated, their first and principal duty, bound by aspecial promise, is to revere, promote, and defendthe honor of the Immaculate Conception of theMost Blessed Virgin Mary. As an external sign [ofthat] they are to wear a white-color scapular embel-lished with blue. This scapular is a sign, as well as atoken, of the Most Holy Virgin Marys protection.

Another Register of the Confraternity of the Im-maculate Conception, similar to the one from Goz-lin, belongs to the Marian monastery on MountBalsamo in Portugal; it dates back to 1774. Todaythis book is kept in the General Archives of theCongregation of Marian Fathers in Rome. Itsgreatly yellowed pages preserve several hundredfirst and last names of people upon whom theMarian Fathers conferred the Blue Scapular.

For the first time, the Marian historical docu-ments mention the establishment of a Confrater-

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nity of the Immaculate Conception on June 26,1734. The entry speaks of an official formation ofthis confraternity at the Marian church in PuszczaMarianska [the Marian Forest location of theCongregations first monastery].

The Theatine Fathers repeatedly renewed theprivilege granted to the Marian Fathers that wasfirst obtained by Fr. Wyszynski. On August 30,1751, through the efforts of the Venerable Servantof God Fr. Casimir, the Theatines again granted theright to invest with the Blue Scapularthis time tothe Superior General and to six other Marian Fa-thers in Poland. On May 5, 1753, before leavingfor Portugal, the Venerable Servant of God obtain-ed once more from the Superior General of theTheatines the privilege of spreading the Scapular ofthe Immaculate Conception, this time in the King-dom of Portugal. More than 20 years later, the con-tinuator of Fr. Wyszynskis activity in Portugal, Fr.Alexis Fischer, approached by means of a letter theTheatine Fathers in Rome with the request for arenewal of the same privilege of investiture grantedin 1753. His letter is dated January 26, 1776.

Political upheavals of the first half of the 19th cen-tury were undoubtedly the reason for the difficultiesin communication with the Theatines in Rome re-garding the further spreading of the Scapular by theMarian Fathers in Poland. Thus, it becomes under-standable why on February 20, 1841, Fr. Jan Dzie-wulski petitioned the Holy See directly and asked for

permission for the Marian Fathers to continuespreading the Blue Scapular. In the 19th century,three zealous Marian priests, noted for their intellec-tual and spiritual formation: Fathers Stanislaw Po-rzycki, Jerzy Naruszewicz, and Alexander Wilczyn-ski, distinguished themselves particularly in promot-ing our Confraternity established at the churchesserved by the Order. Let the statistics on the dean-ery in Marijampole, Lithuania, for the year 1888 tes-tify to the fruits brought about by the pastoral activ-ity of these Fathers and other Marians who followedtheir example. The Marian Fathers had then threemonasteries in Lithuania: Marijampole, Miroslaw,and Iglowka. They also conducted pastoral ministryin neighboring churches. There were 99 active con-fraternities at the deanerys 15 churches. Along withseveral other confraternities, each church also hadthe Confraternity of the Scapular of the ImmaculateConception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.

The confraternities existing at the Marian chur-ches exerted a considerable influence over the reli-gious life and Marian devotion both in their parish-es and in the vicinity. They contributed to the moralrenewal and encouraged charitable works. Theywere instrumental in the sanctification of theirmembers by promoting frequent confession andparticipation in Holy Mass on the feast days of OurLady.

The Renovator and Reformer of the MarianOrder, Blessed Archbishop George Matulaitis-Ma-

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tulewicz, also asked the Theatines in Rome forauthorization to invest the faithful with the BlueScapular. The permission was granted him on Dec-ember 1, 1911.

On July 3, 1992, Fr. Donald Petraitis, MIC,then the Superior General of the Marians, obtainedfrom the Superior General of the Theatine Order aperpetual permission for himself and his successorsto bless and confer the Scapular of the ImmaculateConception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Thispermission was reaffirmed on March 19, 2005, bya special letter of the Theatine Fathers GeneralSuperior addressed to the Superior General of theMarians and to the General Promoter of theAssociation of Marian Helpers. By another letter ofJuly 16, 2008, the Superior General of the Thea-tines gave the Marian Fathers Superior General aperpetual permission to sub-delegate priests, bothMarian and non-Marian, to bless and confer theBlue Scapular, according to canon 1169 of theCode of Canon Law.*

Thus, according to their centuries-long tradi-tion, the Marian Fathers promote among the faith-ful the Blue Scapular, which is the external mark ofthe Confraternity members piety and devotion tothe Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M., fos-tered by the Congregation of Marian Fathers al-

* View the official permission given by the Theatine Fathersto the Marian Fathers, Appendix, Statutes, p. 13.

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most from the beginning of its history. Confrater-nities of the Immaculate Conception represent oneof the important means by which the Congrega-tion of Marian Fathers spreads devotion to theImmaculate Conception of the Mother of God andassists the souls suffering in Purgatory, of whomthe Immaculate Mother of Christ is a particularadvocate.

The Marian Fathers in the United States startedspreading the Scapular of the Immaculate Concep-tion in the 1960s. This action met with a remark-able response, and it was later extended to theUnited Kingdom, Poland, Brazil, and Ukraine.Today the Confraternity of the Immaculate Con-ception of the B.V.M. at the Congregation ofMarian Fathers counts several thousand members.

What Is a Scapular?

The scapular (the word comes from the Latinscapulameaning an arm, shoulders, and back) isa sleeveless garment consisting of two wide, rec-tangular pieces of material, slipped over a reli-giouss head onto the habit. It is a part of the reli-gious garb of some Orders like the Benedictinesor the Dominicans. Sometimes a hood, known inthe East as the analobo, is attached to the scapu-lar. This type of garb was introduced in the 5thcentury by St. Benedict as a scapolare propteroperathat is, an apron worn to protect the habitduring physical labor.

Over time this scapolare underwent somechanges. It gradually became longer, and the ma-terial from which it was made changed as well. Itwas no longer a protective garment but a symbol,a sign of dedication to God. Spiritual writersspoke of it as iugum Christithe yoke of Christ.In the 12th century, the Rules of the Servites, Be-nedictines in certain abbeys, and Carmelites re-quired that the monks wear their scapulars evenin their sleep as a source of spiritual protectionthrough the night.

In the Middle Ages, when many laypeoplewished to participate in some way in the spiritual

HISTORY OF THE BLUE SCAPULAR OFTHE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OFTHE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

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life of the religious orders, various religious asso-ciations like Third Orders, Confraternities,and Oblates were established. The sign of ac-ceptance into the spiritual community was thevesting of the scapular to identify its members asbelonging to each distinctive religious order.

Types of Scapulars

There are various types of scapulars dependingon the religious Order with which they are associ-ated. The origin of most of them is linked to an ap-parition of the Blessed Mother instructing a partic-ular religious order to promote a certain type ofscapular. The oldest among them is the whitescapular of the Holy Trinity that dates back to1200. The brown Carmelite scapular originatedin 1251, while the black scapular of the Servitesof the Blessed Mother of Sorrowsin 1255.

The majority of the scapulars had a singular af-finity with the Mother of God, not only becausethey were connected with a particular Marian ap-parition, which then began the tradition of a partic-ular scapular, but also because of the devotion asso-ciated with the practice of wearing a scapular andthe indulgences attached to it. The most revered,known, and popular among the Marian scapulars isthe Carmelite one. Its origin is shrouded in legend.According to an oral tradition, the veracity of whichwas never fully established, the Virgin Mary person-

ally gave this scapular in 1251 to the venerable andparticularly devout Superior General of theCarmelites, Blessed Simon Stock. The BlessedMother is believed to have promised that whoeverwore the Carmelite scapular would not suffer thefires of hell.

At first, people used to place the scapular overtheir clothes or armor, and it was worn with partic-ular pride on solemn occasions. But over time thevisible, showy piety became more discreet, and thescapular moved under peoples clothing. Conse-quently, it had to become smaller in size, but it con-tinued to look the same: two pieces of cloth joinedby ribbons, which one would put on over oneshead. Sometimes the material was decorated withan embroidered or painted picture. Now the scapu-lar was hidden from the onlookers eyes and whenit happened to be exposed or revealedlike in thefamous Polish painting by Jan Matejko showing theprostrate figure of a nobleman with the scapular vis-ible on his bare chestpeople perceived it as a pow-erful witness.

The scapular was always vested by authorizedpersons and always according to a strictly definedceremony that concluded with a special blessing.The acceptance of the scapular meant, in each case,the assumption of specific responsibilities which, intheir essence, usually referred to the rule of life of aparticular religious community.

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The Church has always looked favorably uponscapulars, endowing them with indulgences, de-fining their prerogatives, establishing conditions ofinvestiture, and even designating their shape, size,and the manner of wearing them. On December 6,1910, by the decree of the Congregation of theHoly Office, Pope Pius X permitted the substitu-tion of every scapular with a medal bearing on theobverse the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus andon the reversethe image of Our Lady. The regu-lations regarding its conferral in this new form, andthe indulgences and blessings attached to it,remained unchanged.

Undoubtedly, the idea of allowing the laitys par-ticipation in the spiritual life of religious orders,expressed in the act of receiving a new vestmenteven if this vestment was only a symbolic one(the scapular was also dubbed a miniature habit)has at all times been something positive and pre-cious in the eyes of the Church.

Blue Scapular

The Blue Scapular originated in Spain, and it isconnected with the person of St. Beatrice da Silva eMenezes (1426-1492). At first, a lady-in-waiting atthe court of the Catholic Queen Isabella I of Cas-tile, she subsequently became a Cistercian nun. In1484, she founded in Toledo, Spain, the Order ofof the Immaculate Conception of the Most B.V.M.(Franciscan nuns also known as the Conceptio-

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nists). The new rder was approved by Pope Julius IIin 1511.

One of the requirements of this Orders rule wasto wear the Scapular of the Immaculate Conceptionbeneath the white habit. The growing popularityamong the faithful of this form of devotion to Maryencouraged the Conceptionists to petition the Ho-ly See with a request for granting special indul-gences and privileges to all those who piously worethis scapular.

A century later, the practice of wearing the Sca-pular of the Immaculate Conception began spread-ing in Italy. There, in the year 1583, the VenerableServant of God Ursula Benincasa (1547-1618),founded the Congregation of the Oblates of theImmaculate Conception of the Most Blessed VirginMary. She also founded the Hermitage of the Con-templative Nuns of the Immaculate Conception,whose rule was approved by Pope Gregory XV onApril 7, 1623.

In 1617, in Naples, Italy, on the Feast of the Pre-sentation of the Lord, Ursula, having received HolyCommunion, had a vision of the Blessed Motherclothed in a white garment over which she woreanother garment of azure blue. In her arms, Maryheld the Infant Jesus. Our Lady was surrounded bymany persons, all similarly attired.

The Blessed Mother spoke to Ursula in thesewords: Cease weeping, Ursula, and turn your

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sighs into heartfelt joy. Listen closely to what Jesus,whom I am holding in my lap, will say to you.

Then Jesus revealed to Ursula that she wouldfound a convent where 33 nuns, dressed in thesame attire as the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of hervision, would live a life of solitude and seclusion.The Savior promised special graces and many spiri-tual gifts to those who would zealously follow thisway of life.

The Venerable Servant of God besought theLord to extend these favors also to such peoplewho, living in the world, would have a special devo-tion to the mystery of the Immaculate Conception,observe chastity according to their station in life,and wear a small blue scapular. As a sign that herprayer was heard, Jesus showed Ursula in a vision amultitude of angels distributing scapulars all overthe earth. This scene is artistically captured in a fres-co at the Theatine Sisters Convent in Naples.

Overwhelmed with joy, Ursula personally madescapulars similar to the ones she saw in her vision,had them blessed, and distributed them among thefaithful. The practice of wearing the Blue Scapularbegan to spread quickly already during Ursulaslifetime. After her death, her spiritual daughtersundertook the promotion of this scapular as theirOrders special mission. On August 7, 1793, PopePius VI recognized Ursulas heroic virtues and pro-claimed her a Venerable Servant of God.

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In 1633, the Theatine Fathers in their GeneralChapter, recognized the Oblates of the Imma-culate Conception and the community of contem-plative nuns whose inception was rooted in the vi-sion of Venerable Ursula as branches of their Or-der. From that time on, these two communitiestook on the title of Theatine Nuns of the Imma-culate Conception of the B.V.M. Thereupon, theTheatine Fathers also began to promote devotionof the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, atask assigned to them officially by Pope Clement Xon January 30, 1671. At the Theatine Fathersrequest, he granted privileges and indulgences tothe Blue Scapular by a special apostolic breve. Thesewere similar in scope to the ones obtained by theConceptionists in the 15th century. Another Pope,Clement XI, endowed this scapular with more in-dulgences, which he mentioned in his apostolic let-ter of May 12, 1710. The indulgences were con-firmed and amplified by Pope Gregory XIV in1845 and by Blessed Pius IX in 1850. These twoPopes also declared that the indulgences of theBlue Scapular could be applied to the souls of thefaithful departed.

A copper plate that depicts the Most Blessed Virgin Mary as the daughter of Sts. Joachim and Anne. The hand-writteninscription in Portuguese placed on the copper plate suggeststhat this work was inspired by an image from the Marian

monastery in Puszcza Marianska. This copper plate is locatedin the cell of the Venerable Servant of God Fr. Casimir

Wyszynski at the Marian monastery on Mount Balsamo,Portugal. Second half of the 18th century.

THEOLOGY OF THE BLUE SCAPULAR

Along with the rosary, the scapular, is one of theoldest and most popular forms of devotion to theMost Holy Virgin. It is considered to be one of theso-called sacramentals or sacramentalia. In manyof her apparitions (to St. Dominic, to the Servantof God Ursula Benincasa, and to the Fatima chil-dren) the Blessed Mother has pointed to the sca-pular as a means of sanctification and salvation.The Church, too, often recommends its use.

Churchs Approval

The Marian sacramentals or sacramentalia aredeeply valued by the Church. The Second VaticanCouncil says:

The sacred synod teaches this Catholic doctrineadvisedly and at the same time admonishes all thesons of the Church that the cult, especially theliturgical cult, of the Blessed Virgin, be generous-ly fostered, and that the practices and exercises ofdevotion towards her, recommended by theteaching authority of the Church in the course ofcenturies, be highly esteemed, and that those de-crees, which were given in the early days regard-ing the cult images of Christ, the Blessed Virginand the saints, be religiously observed. (DogmaticConstitution on the Church, No. 67)

Pope Paul VI, further elaborating on the teach-ing of the Second Vatican Council, talked about

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the great significance of the scapular. In March of1965, he said:

May the faithful have great reverence for the exer-cises and pious practices associated with the devo-tion to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, which in thecourse of centuries were approved by the Church.... The rosary to Mary and the scapular are amongthe recommended exercises. ... The scapular is apractice which, due to its simplicity, is suitable foreveryone and which has spread widely among thefaithful Christians to their spiritual benefit.

On March 25, 2000, Pope John Paul II wrote:There are two truths drawn out from the sym-bol that the scapular constitutes. Onethe con-tinuous protection of the Most Holy Virgin, notonly along lifes journey, but also at the momentof passing through to the fullness of eternalglory. The otherthe knowledge that devotiontowards Her cannot be limited to prayers andacts of respect in her honor in particular circum-stances, but it must constitute a HABIT, thatis, a permanent guiding rule of ones Christianbehavior, interwoven with prayer and an interiorlife, by means of frequent reception of theSacraments and the actual performance of spiritualand corporal works of mercy. In this way the scapu-lar becomes the sign of a bond and of a recipro-cal intimate spiritual relationship between Maryand the faithful. Indeed, it interprets in a concreteway the entrustment that, on the cross, Jesus madeto John, and in him, to all of us, of his Mother, andthe commitment of the beloved apostle and of us,to Her, appointed to be our spiritual Mother.

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The scapular is directly linked to the contempo-rary Marian spirituality promoted by Blessed JohnPaul II. As such, it it focused on devotion, trust,and dedication to the Mother of God. It was PopePius XII who pointed to this element when on the700th anniversary of the existence of the scapularhe addressed a letter to the Carmelite Fathers inwhich he wrote: Dedication is the contemporaryform of Marian devotion. ... Your scapular is a signof dedication to Mary.

This statement clearly shows why the Blue Sca-pular is still significant in today's culture: the peo-ple who wear it declare solemnly that they do notwant to dedicate their lives to the passing mattersof this world, butlike Maryto God alone, andwant to live immaculatelywithout sin.

The act of oblation recited by the faithful re-ceiving the Blue Scapular speaks clearly about sur-rendering oneself to the bondage of love. It isno wonder that the Blue Scapular is a sign of theBlessed Mothers special recognition of us as herchildren. The first and most important conclu-sion flowing from all of the above is that peoplewho wear the scapular are embraced by the Bles-sed Mother with a special love because of theirdevotion to God and to her. Thus, the scapularmakes us uniquely her own.

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Biblical Foundations

As we look for the biblical foundations of theBlue Scapular, we might point to the theologybehind wearing a special garment, present both inthe Old and the New Testaments.

The Holy Scripturesthe primary source of ourfaithallow us to see for ourselves how deeply theBlue Scapular theology is rooted in the Bible.

Speaking on the subject, we should recall thewords of the prophet Isaiah first: I rejoice heartilyin the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for Hehas clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrap-ped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroomadorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked withher jewels (61:10).

This passage clearly shows that a true vestmentand adornment of the people of God is the divinelife taking place within them. On the other hand, allinstances of our unfaithfulness, defined in theologyas sin, strip those vestments off of us, leaving usnaked. This state of nakedness, symbolically expres-sing the distance that we put between ourselves andGod, was noted by the prophet Ezekiel in regardsto the Chosen People: So I spread the corner ofmy cloak over you to cover your nakedness (16:8).Sin has demeaned our human dignity and marredour image before God. Thus, we see the conse-quence of our disobedience to God. In this light,words from the Book of Baruch take on a special

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meaning: Wrapped in the cloak of justice fromGod, bear on your head the mitre that displays theglory of the eternal name. For God will show all theearth your splendor (5:2-3).

This excerpt shows God as the source of trueworth, as we glorify His name and He clothes us insplendor. This idea was further developed by St.Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians: ...you shouldput away the old self of your former way of life, cor-rupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed inthe spirit of your minds, and put on the new self,created in Gods new way in righteousness andholiness of truth (4:22-24). Finally, in the Gospelof Matthew, Jesus in the parable of the weddingbanquet speaks of a man who is cast out of the cel-ebration because he is not wearing a wedding gar-ment (see 22:1-14).

The above-mentioned quotes show us that termsdescribing human garments or adornments areused by the Scriptures to express certain spiritualrealities. This unity of purpose and meaning repre-sents a special biblical symbolism. According toit, and in accounting for the entirety of DivineRevelation, we can venture to say that anyone whoaccepts Christ and lives by His teachings puts onthe vestment of salvation.

The Holy Scriptures teach that meeting Godrequired putting on a special garment. The gar-ment was to be clean, without stain, and washed

(Ex 19:10-14; Lv 14:9; Nm 19:7), holy (1 Chr16:29; Ps(s) 96:9), and solemn (Ezr 3:10). In theBook of Revelation, references are made to peoplewho have not soiled their garments (3:4), tothose wearing white robes (3:5; 6:11; 7:13), andthose wearing robes that have been washed in theblood of the Lamb (7:14).

The scapular is a reference to this new garm-ent. Those who wear it express their desire for ho-liness, for remaining in union with God, and formaking their entire lives a liturgy to the glory of theLord.

Mystical Meaning

The scapular has a profound mystical meaning asa reference to the protective mantle of the Madon-na, the external garment which Mary places overpeople turning to her in need. The oldest version ofthe 3rd century prayer, Under Your Protection,contains the words: Under the mantle of yourmercy. . . This truth is depicted in many images ofthe Blessed Mother coming from the same periodin which the scapular originated. In a mystical inter-pretation, it is possible to believe that the scapularis a piece of Marys garment, received from herhands and guaranteeing her constant protection tothose who wear it. Hence, the recommendationthat those who wear the scapular should oftenrecite the prayer Under Your Protection.

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Spirituality of the Contemplative Nuns of the Immaculate Conception

As mentioned above, wearing the scapular signi-fies participation in the spirituality and privileges ofthe religious Order with which the scapular is asso-ciated. It is, therefore, worth knowing what kind ofspirituality the Servant of God Ursula chose for thecontemplative nuns of the Immaculate Conceptionthat she founded. Their rule required, among otherthings, abstinence from meat in their lifetime (ex-ception was made in time of sickness), and fastingon all vigils of Marian feasts, which was particularlystrict before the solemnities of the ImmaculateConception and Corpus Christi. In addition to fastsmandated by the Church, the rule required fastingevery Saturday and on the last two days of carnival.Also, on every Friday, a five-hour adoration beforethe Blessed Sacrament was to be held. The ruleallowed every nun admitted to the profession ofperpetual vows to spend one day beforehand inconversation with her nearest family. However, shecould never see them again afterwards. The rule for-bade communication with anyone from the outside.(The food was delivered to the convent by means ofa turnstile).

As we remember, the Infant Jesus in Ursulas vi-sion extended His blessing both to the nuns and tolaypeople who wear the Blue Scapular, have a speci-al devotion to the mystery of the Immaculate Con-

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ception, and observe chastity according to theirvocation. Although laypeople are not bonded bythe strictness of eremitic life, they should realize thatwearing the scapular without living in their state oflife (married, religious, single) the way that Marydesires would not be worthy. They ought to chooseleading such a life in which the Blessed Mother canbe truly present. They are called to be holy andunblemished before God, as St. Paul wrote in hisletter to the Ephesians (1:4).

Special Graces

To those who piously wear the Scapular of theImmaculate Conception, the Lord Jesus promisedspecial gifts and assistance in life.

Naturally, it does not mean that the scapular is tobe used routinely. The scapular is a sign of a certainattitude and disposition of the heart. This disposi-tion gives us hope for obtaining the means neces-sary for our salvation, since wearing the scapularendows one with many graces promised by theBlessed Mother and granted by the Church. Thefaithful who wear the Blue Scapular express theirdesire to become like the Immaculate Mary, whichmeans avoiding all sin and living in union withGod. Those who want to wear the scapular worthi-ly desire to be holy! Therefore, it is not surprisingthat St. Louis Grignion de Montfort believed thatwearing the scapular was one of the most impor-tant forms of Marian piety.

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Symbolism

One may wonder if the scapular has not lost itssignificance since the time it began to be wornunder the clothes rather than externally and caneven now take the form of a medal.

Let us recall here the theology of Gothic cathe-drals. Many of them are decorated with magnificentsculptures placed high under their vaulted ceilingsor even on their roofs where only God could seethem. The Gothic cathedral is considered to be amasterpiece of sacred art since this work was not forpeople but for God Himself. Such is the case, too,with todays scapular: God, not the people, sees itand rejoices in it. Wearing the scapular under theclothing is a practice in the spirit of Jesus order:But when you pray, go into your room and shutthe door and pray to your Father who is in secret;and your Father who sees in secret will reward you(Mt 6:6). The scapular hidden under the clothes isno longer a sign for the people, but a sign for God,for the Blessed Mother, and for those who wear it.

Let us also note the erroneous and dangerousunderstanding of the scapular that may be found inpeople of small faith. By regarding the scapularas a talisman that guarantees salvation and promis-es graces regardless of the way of life one leads, onerisks falling into superstition and susceptiblity tomagic. There is no other thing in Christianitymore worthy of condemnation than this satanicimpertinence, affirmed St. Louis de Montfort.

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In 1750, St. Alphonsus Maria Ligouri in TheGlories of Mary stated that in honor of the greatleaders of the world, their followers adopt theirgarb. Mary Immaculate is also happy that her devo-tees wear her scapular as a sign of devotion andbelonging to the family of the Divine Mother. SaintAlphonsus also said that he shows his devotion bywearing Our Ladys Scapular.

The Role of the Scapular

The role of the scapular in the history of theworld is similar to that of the rosary. It is intendedas a sign of conversion, unity with God, and dailystriving for holiness. As St. Dominic prophesied inthe 13th century to Br. Angelus: One day, throughthe rosary and the scapular, the Most Holy VirginMary will rescue the world.

The acceptance of the Blue Scapular and theworthy wearing of itwhich is an obligation of ev-ery member of the Confraternity of the ImmaculateConceptionensure access to the many special gra-ces of which Our Lord spoke and with which theChurch endowed the scapular by the power of herauthority. But participation in the spiritual benefitsassociated with the scapular requires assuming andfulfilling certain obligations.

In order to increase in the Church devotion tothe Immaculate Conception, the Blue Scapular wasendowed, as mentioned above, with the many in-dulgences which are listed further in this handbook.Our Lady sees those wearing the Blue Scapular asher special children; she showers them with manygraces and protects them against all evil.

Responsibilities of the FaithfulWearing the Blue Scapular

and Belonging to the Confraternity

Let us remember that these special graces andindulgences are granted only if people honor theImmaculate Conception of the Blessed Motherthrough:

Wearing the Blue Scapular day and night;

AVAILING ONESELF OF THE GRACES ASSOCIATEDWITH BELONGING TO THE CONFRATERNITY OF

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ANDWEARING THE BLUE SCAPULAR

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Living a life of chastity according to their sta-tion in life;

Showing special devotion to the Most HolyVirgin Mary in the mystery of her Immacu-late Conception;

Praying for the conversion of sinners and forGods mercy on the whole world.

Nature of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception:

Its Goals and Spiritual Benefits

The Congregation of Marian Fathers Confra-ternity of the Immaculate Conception of the MostB.V.M. is a private association of the faithful who,living in the world and participating in the spiritu-ality, apostolate, and mission of the Congregationof Marian Fathers, particularly spread devotion tothe Immaculate Conception of the Most B.V.M.and pray for the deceased, while striving for Christ-ian perfection in the manner proper to their stationin life. Confraternity members share (both duringtheir lifetime and after death) in the Congregationsspiritual benefits. The Confraternitys goals are:

To help its members, living in the world, intheir striving for Christian perfection accord-ing to the spirituality of the Congregation ofMarian Fathers.

To spread devotion to the Immaculate Con-ception of the B.V.M. and to assist the deceas-ed suffering in Purgatory.

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Confraternity members, vested with the BlueScapular, shall always devoutly wear it as a visiblesign in honor of the Immaculate Conception of theMost B.V.M. and a distinguishing feature of thosewho are particularly devoted to the Most BlessedVirgin Immaculately Conceived.

Membership in the Confraternity obliges themembers to spread devotion to the ImmaculateConception of the Most B.V.M. by imitating Ma-rys virtues, but above all by living in the state ofgrace. It also obliges them to continuously dedicatea certain amount of time to meeting the Lord inprayer, to frequently participate in the EucharisticSacrifice, and to meditate upon the Rosary.

Confraternity members are to recite and offerdaily for the intention of the deceased the Chap-let of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the B.V.M.or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the SalveRegina prayer. They may also offer for the inten-tions of the Poor Souls their deeds of mercy, suffer-ings, and trials of life, as well as voluntary self-denialand mortification.

It is recommended for the Confraternity mem-bers to frequently invoke Marys protection withshort ardent prayers such as, Immaculate Queen ofthe Holy Scapular take me under the mantle of yourprotection; O Mary Conceived without sin, pray forus who have recourse to you; May the Virgin Ma-rys Immaculate Conception be our health and pro-

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tection, and Blessed be the holy and ImmaculateConception of the Most Holy Virgin Mary.

As faith-filled persons involved in the life of theChurch, Confraternity members shall participate inthe life of their parish community and support thepriests in various ways, especially in the work ofevangelization in their own parish. They shouldalso spread the scapular devotion and encourageothers to join the Confraternity of the ImmaculateConception.

Confraternity members should participate in pe-riodic meetings presided over by the local Promoterof the Confraternity, for the purpose of revitalizingtheir sense of belonging, learning the spirituality ofthe Marian Fathers, and strengthening their aware-ness of the needs of their neighbor, doing all of theabove in close communion with Mary. They shouldalso support the Marians with their prayers andalms; finding new friends for the Congregation andpraying for good and holy Marian vocations.

Confraternity members share in all spiritual ben-efits of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of theImmaculate Conception of the B.V.M.:

Fruits of the daily Masses celebrated by theMarian priests, and Masses for the intentionsof the living and deceased associates of theCongregation of Marian Fathers.

The right to enroll their deceased loved onesin the Memorial of the Holy Masses celebrat-ed by the Congregation in the entire month of

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November and in the Solemn Vespers sungduring the Octave of All Souls Day.

Fruits of the daily prayers recited by the mem-bers of the Congregation.

Supernatural fruits of the merits, good deeds,and indulgences obtained by members of theCongregation.

By virtue of receiving and wearing the Blue Sca-pular of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.,and by the power of the directive of the ApostolicSee of February 2, 1968, Confraternity membersmay obtain a plenary indulgence under the usualconditions on the day of receiving the Scapular andtheir admission into the Confraternity, as well as onthe days listed below.

The primary feasts of the Confraternity are:

The solemnity of the Immaculate Conceptionof the Most Blessed Virgin Mary (Dec. 8);

The Commemoration of All the Faithful De-parted (November 2).

Confraternity members shall live out the solem-nity of the Immaculate Conception in profoundlove and gratitude to God and Mary. On this daythey shall renew their devout commitment to herservice, their faithfulness to Christ and His Church,and shall entrust to the maternal Heart of theImmaculate Virgin the entire Marian family.

On the day of All the Faithful Departed, Confra-ternity members shall commend to God through

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prayers, sacrifices, and indulgences the souls of thedeparted suffering in Purgatory.

Indulgences Attached to the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception of the Most B.V.M.

Those who wear the Scapular of the ImmaculateConception can receive a plenary indulgence underthe usual conditions* on the following days:

The day of investiture with the Scapular ofthe Immaculate Conception;

The solemnity of the Immaculate Conceptionof the Most B.V.M. (December 8);

The solemnity of the Assumption of theMost Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15);

Christmas Day (December 25); Easter Sunday; The solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord; The feast of St. Cajetan, Founder of the

Theatine Order (August 7).

* To gain a plenary indulgence one must: be in the state of grace and free from all at-

tachment to sin, even venial sin; have a general intention to gain the indul-

gence; perform acts to obtain the indulgence; receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and

Holy Eucharist; pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

ADMISSION TO THE CONFRATERNITYOF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ANDINVESTITURE WITH THE BLUE SCAPULAR

The rite of admission to the Confraternity andinvestiture with the Blue Scapular described belowshould be performed by a Marian priest or deacon(usually, the Local Confraternity Promoter) or amember of the clergy delegated by the Marians. Ifat all possible, it should be carried out in a commu-nal celebration.

For the rite of blessing and conferral the scapu-lar itself must to use, made of prescribed design andmaterial: Only afterwards may a blessed medalreplace the scapular.

In his homily, the Promoter or the person presid-ing over the ceremony ought to briefly explain thespiritual dimension of membership in the Confra-ternity. Since the Blue Scapular is a sign approved bythe Church and one of its sacramentals, he shouldalso emphasize its significance, point out the obliga-tions ensuing from its acceptance, and mention thegraces enjoyed by those who worthily wear it.

50ORDER OF ADMISSION AND INVESTITURE

INTRODUCTORY RITESWhen the people or simply the members of the confraterni-ty have gathered, the celebrant enters during the singing ofa hymn suited to the particular celebration. After thesinging, the celebrant says:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and ofthe Holy Spirit.

All make the sign of the cross and reply:

Amen.The celebrant greets those present in the following words.

Through the Son, born of Mary, every blessingcomes to us from God our Father. May His graceand peace be with you all.

All reply:

And with your spirit.In the following words, the celebrant prepares those pres-ent for the admission and the blessing.

God uses ordinary things as signs to express Hisextraordinary mercy toward us. Through simplethings as well we express our gratitude, declare ourwillingness to serve God, and profess the resolve tolive up to our baptismal consecration.

The Blue Scapular is the sign of entrance into theMarian Fathers Confraternity of the ImmaculateConception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Thisscapular thus expresses our intention of sharing in

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the spirituality of the Congregation of MarianFathers. That intention renews our baptismal re-solve to put on Christ with the help of Mary Imma-culately Conceived, whose own greatest desire isthat we become more like Christ in praise of theTrinity, until, dressed for the wedding feast, wereach our home in heaven.

READING OF THE WORD OF GODA reader, one of those present, or the celebrant reads atext of sacred Scripture, taken either from the readingsin the Lectionary for Masses in honor of Our Lady orone of the following excerpts.

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of theProphet Isaiah: Is 61:9-11

Their offspring shall be renowned among thenations, and their descendants in the midst of thepeoples; All who see them shall acknowledge them:They are offspring the Lord has blessed.

I will rejoice heartily in the Lord, my being exultsin my God; For he has clothed me with garmentsof salvation, and wrapped me in a robe of justice.Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, as abride adorns herself with her jewels. As the earthbrings forth its shoots, and a garden makes its seedsspring up, So will the Lord God make justice springup, and praise before all the nations.

The word of God.

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Thanks be to God.

or:

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of theLetter of St. Paul to the Ephesians: Eph 4:17, 20-24

So I declare and testify in the Lord that you mustno longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility oftheir minds; that is not how you learned Christ,assuming that you have heard of him and weretaught in him, as truth is in Jesus, that you shouldput away the old self of your former way of life, cor-rupted through deceitful desires, and be renewedin the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self,created in Gods way in righteousness and holinessof truth.

The word of God.All reply:

Thanks be to God.

After the reading, the celebrant gives the homily.

INTERCESSIONSThe intercessions are then said. The celebrant introducesthem and an assisting minister or the one of those presentannounces the intentions.

Celebrant: Relying on the intercession of the Vir-gin Mary Immaculately Conceived, who by the po-

wer of the Holy Spirit gave the World our flesh, sothat we might share in the grace of our firstbornbrother and live for the glory of God, let us pray tothe Father, saying:All: God, grant that we may put on Christ.

Reader:

Father, you willed to have your beloved Son takeon our humanity, so that in Him we might share inYour own life; grant that we may be called and trulybe Your children. For this we pray.All: God, grant that we may put on Christ.

Reader:

You wished Christ to be in every respect like us, butwithout sin, so that in following Him we mightshare in His filial image; grant that we may followChrist so as to please You in all things. For this wepray.All: God, grant that we may put on Christ.

Reader:

You call those who are clothed in the wedding gar-ment of the kingdom to the feast of Your grace,where You reveal Yourself to them; teach us to serveyou loyally. For this we pray.All: God, grant that we may put on Christ.

Reader:

You clothe us with the robe of righteousness and holi-ness, so that though the Holy Spirit we may live for

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You. Show forth the holiness of Your Church andthrough Christ make us grow in holiness, so that wemay work together generously for the salvation ofothers. For this we pray.All: God, grant that we may put on Christ.

Reader:

You continually bestow on us in Christ every spir-itual blessing, until, clothed in the wedding gar-ment, we go out to meet Christ at His coming;grant that through the prayers of Mary we maypass from death to life. For this we pray.All: God, grant that we may put on Christ.

PRAYER OF BLESSINGWith outstretched hands, the celebrant continues:

O God, the author and perfecter of all holiness, Youcall all who are reborn of water and the Holy Spiritto the fullness of the Christian life and the perfec-tion of charity. Look with kindness on those whowill join today the Confraternity of the ImmaculateConception and who will devoutly receive the BlueScapular in honor of the Blessed Virgin MaryImmaculately Conceived. As long as they live, letthem become sharers in the image of Christ YourSon and, after they have fulfilled their mission onearth with the help of Mary, the Virgin Mother,receive them into the joy of Your heavenly home.We ask this through Christ our Lord.All: Amen.

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ADMISSION TO THE CONFRATERNITYThose to be admitted into the Confraternityapproach the altar and remain standing.

Celebrant: Our help is in the name of the Lord.All: Who made heaven and earth.

C. Lord, hear my prayer.All: And let my cry come to You.

C. The Lord be with you.All: And with your spirit.

C. Let us pray.O God, who by the Immaculate Conception

of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwellingfor your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preservedher from every stain by virtue of the Death of yourSon, which you foresaw, so, though her interces-sion, we too, may be cleansed and admitted to yourpresence. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, yourSon, who lives and reigns with you in the unity ofthe Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.All: Amen.

Celebrant: In virtue of the power entrusted to me, I acceptyou into the Marian Fathers Confraternity of theImmaculate Conception of the Most Blessed VirginMary. By joining this Confraternity, you accept thecommitments that entitle you to share spiritually inthe life, prayers, and good works of all the Marianpriests and brothers, both during your lifetime and

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after death. In the name of the Father, and of theSon, and of the Holy Spirit.All: Amen.

The celebrant sprinkles the newly admitted with holywater, upon which they kneel and recite together the fol-lowing Act of Oblation:

Most Blessed Virgin Mary, / Mother of God andImmaculate Virgin, / I, (here mention your name),/ a poor and sinful person, / most unworthy to seeyour holy face, / wish to serve you. Trusting inyour great mercy, / in the presence of your belov-ed Son, / Lord Jesusour Savior and Master, /and of all the Angels and Saints, / I offer myselftoday / into your bondage of love / as the mostdevoted child / in the Confraternity of yourImmaculate Conception, / taking you as my specialMother, / Lady, / and Protectress. / I firmlyresolve / never to leave you / and always to defendyour honor. / I especially promise / that I shallpromote / the mystery of your ImmaculateConception / until death. / Therefore, / I humblyask you, / Most Blessed Virgin, / through theBlood / of your only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, /to mercifully receive me / among the ranks of yourservants / as your eternal slave; / to help me / inall my troubles and needs; / and, above all, / tocome to my assistance / at the hour of death / asthe Mother of Mercy. / Amen.

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INVESTITURE WITH THE BLUE SCAPULARThe newly admitted to the Confraternity remainkneeling and the celebrant continues with the prayerof the blessing of the scapular.

Lord Jesus Christ, You chose to share our humannature. We humbly ask You to bless this scapularmade in honor of the Immaculate Conception ofthe Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant that thosewho are clothed in it lend themselves to moral re-newal among people. And may this/those, Yourservant(s), invested with the scapular, through theintercession of the Virgin Mary ImmaculatelyConceived also deserve to be clothed in You, wholive and reign for ever and ever.All: Amen.

The celebrant sprinkles the scapular with holy waterand places it over the shoulders of the recipient, saying:

Brother/Sister, receive this Blue Scapular, fromnow on a sign of your belonging in the Confra-ternity of the Immaculate Conception of the MostBlessed Virgin Mary, that by her help you maydivest yourself of the old man. May God grantthat you may wear it cleansed of every sin and freeof all stain, and thus pass into eternal life.All: Amen.

By the authority delegated to me, I extend to youa share in the spiritual benefits of plenary indul-gences and other graces bestowed upon those whoare vested with and worthily wear the Blue Sca-

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pular. In the name of the Father, and the Son, andthe Holy Spirit. All: Amen.

CONCLUDING RITEThe celebrant, with his hands outstretched, concludes therite with a solemn blessing. All those present bow theirheads:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit.

C. Bow your head(s) and pray for Gods blessing.

C. May the Lord, who redeemed the worldthrough His Son born of the Virgin Mary andwho deigned to accept you into the Confrater-nity of her Immaculate Conception, grant youHis blessing.

All: Amen.

C. May the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, whogave us the Giver of Life, protect you always.

All: Amen.

C. May the Lord grant health, true joy, andeternal happiness to all present here today tohonor the Immaculate Virgin.

All: Amen.

Then he blesses all present:

C. And may Almighty God bless you all, the Fa-ther, @ and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

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C. May the Virgin Marys Immaculate Conceptionbe your health and protection.

All: Amen.It is recommended to end this celebration with a suit-able song.

Additional Explanations

It is necessary to go to Communion on the dayof joining the Confraternity of the ImmaculateConception of the B.V.M. and receiving theBlue Scapular. The scapular should be made outof blue cloth. The scapular should be worn sothat its one part is over the chest and the otherover the back.

In 1910, St. Pope Pius X introduced a scapularmedal*, which may be substituted in most ca-ses for any of the various cloth scapulars.However, valid enrollment in the scapularsmust be made before the substitution.

Both the cloth scapular and the medal should beworthily worn. When the Blue Scapular wearsout or becomes misplaced or lost, another sca-pular should be put on; the replacement can beblessed by any priest or deacon.

People wearing the Blue Scapular also share inall the spiritual benefits of the Order of the

* View the official decree in Latin and its English rendition:Appendix, Confraternity Statutes, p. 18 and p. 20 respectively.

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Clerics Regular Theatines, both during theirlifetime and after death.

The names of the faithful belonging to the Con-fraternity of the Immaculate Conception shouldbe recorded in the registry of the Confraternity.Some of the Marian churches at which the Con-fraternity exists (i.e in Warsaw-Stegny, Poland,or in London, the United Kingdom) have sucha registry. In the U.S. the Confraternity is estab-lished at the National Shrine of The Divine Mer-cy in Stockbridge, Mass. Confraternity membersreceive a special certificate confirming theirmembership.

The death of a Brother or Sister of the Confra-ternity (the honorary title of a member) shouldbe reported to the respective Marian church, sothat the Congregation can include that personin their prayers for the departed.

The pious wearing of the scapular and devotion-al practicesas for example, kissing the scapularor medalcarry an additional partial indulgencegranted by the Church.

There is the opportunity of accepting the Sca-pular of the Immaculate Conception of theMost Blessed Virgin Mary without joining itsConfraternity. The faithful who wish to acceptthe Scapular but do not want to belong to thesaid Confraternity should clearly state this whenasking for the Scapular. The faithful who wear

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the Blue Scapular but are not formally aggregat-ed (admitted into the Confraternity of the Mari-an Fathers and listed in their Register) belongspiritually to the broadly understood communi-ty of the Theatine Fatherscustodians of theBlue Scapular.

Copper plate depicting Immaculate Mary against the background of the ten-ray star that symbolically representsevangelical virtues of the Mother of God. The image is takenfrom the book entitled Gwiazda zaranna [The Morning

Star], which was translated and edited by the VenerableServant of God Fr. Casimir Wyszynski. The book appeared in

print in 1749, in Warsaw, and is now preserved in theLibrary of Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland.

PRAYERS TOTHE IMMACULATE VIRGIN MARY

Marians spread Gods glory through fostering de-votion to the Immaculate Conception of the MostBlessed Virgin Mary.

People who wear the Blue Scapular and aremembers of the Confraternity should cultivate aspecial devotion to the mystery of the ImmaculateConception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Aswe meditate upon this privilege of Our Lady, weadmire the goodness and omnipotence of Godwho preserved Mary from sin, and we praise theLord for His great mercy. We also learn from theImmaculate One to live in sanctity. Let us prayardently and with great love to our ImmaculateMother. Let us avail ourselves often of the treasuryof prayers compiled below, particularly on the feastsand solemnities of Mary.

Daily Offering of Oneself to the Blessed Mother

My Lady and my Mother, I give myself entirely toyou, and to show my devotion to you, I consecrateto you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, myheart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore,Good Mother as I am your own, keep me and guardme as your property and possession.

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Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lordis with you. Blessed are youamong women, and blessed isthe fruit of your womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Most pure,Most prudent,

Most humble,Most faithful,Most devout,Most obedient,Most poor,Most patient,Most merciful,Most sorrowful.

Pray for us, sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

Chapletof the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the B.V.M.

The Marians have recited this prayer since the time of approvalof the Order upon the Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of theB.V.M. by Pope Innocent XII in 1699. Blessed StanislausPapczynski, Founder of the Marians, was the first to make hissolemn vows on this rule in Warsaw, on June 6, 1701.

To pray the Chaplet, use only 10 beads of a Rosary ora 10-bead chaplet. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, fol-lowed by one Our Father. Then on each of the 10 beads,pray one Hail Mary, adding after the words Holy Mary,Mother of God... one of the following virtues.

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.

Our Father who are in heaven...

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to theHoly Spirit.

R. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shallbe, world without end. Amen.

V. In Your Conception, O Virgin Mary, You wereImmaculate.

R. Pray for us to the Father whose Son, Jesus, youbrought forth into the world.

V. Let us pray:O God, who, by the Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling forYour Son, grant, we pray, that, as You preserved herfrom every stain by virtue of the Death of Your Son,which You foresaw, so through her intercession, wetoo, may be cleansed and admitted to Your pres-ence. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of theHoly Spirit, one God for ever and ever.R. Amen.V. May the Virgin Marys Immaculate Conception,R. Be our Health and our Protection.

Angelus

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;blessed are you among women and blessed is thefruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother ofGod, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour ofour death. Amen.

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V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to Thy word. Hail Mary . . .

V. And the Word was made Flesh.R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary . . .

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.R. That we may be made worthy of the promis-

es of Christ.

V. Let us pray: Pour forth, we beg you, O Lord, Your grace

into our hearts: that we, to whom the incarnationof Christ, Your Son, was made known by the mes-sage of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross bebrought to the glory of His Resurrection, throughthe same Christ Our Lord.R. Amen.

Prayer of St. Bernard (Memorare)

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, thatnever was it known that anyone who fled to yourprotection, implored your help, or sought your in-tercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confi-dence, I fly to your aid, O Virgin of Virgins, myMother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinfuland sorrowful. O Mary, Mother of the Word In-carnate, despise not my petition but in your mercyhear and answer me. Amen.

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Prayer to Mary in the Words ofSt. Bernard of Clairvaux

When tossed by tempests and storms on the tur-bulent sea of this world, I lift my eyes to you, OMary, Shining Star, that the waves may not over-whelm me. When the gales of temptations blow fier-cely, when I fall upon the sharp rocks of pain, I liftup my eyes to you and call upon you, O Mary.When the violent tides of pride, blasphemy, and jeal-ousy toss me about, I lift up my eyes to you and callupon you, O Mary. When anger, or greed, or lustshake the fragile boat of my soul, I lift up my eyes toyou, O Mary. And should the abyss of sorrow or themagnitude of despair begin to overwhelm me, tor-mented by the gravity of my sins, confused by theugliness of my conscience, frightened by the threatof judgment, I would still look up to you, ever call-ing upon you. O Mary, in danger, depression, ordoubt I will always call upon you. Following you, OMary, I will never lose my waythinking about you,I will never be lost. And if you will continue to sup-port me, I will not fall. Amen.

Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life,our sweetness and our hope! To you do we cry,poor banished children of Eve, To you do we sendup our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valleyof tears. Turn, then, O most gracious advocate,your eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile

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show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

We Fly to Your Patronage

We fly to your patronage, O holy Mother ofGod. Despise not our petitions in our necessitiesbut deliver us from all dangers, O ever-gloriousand Blessed Virgin. O our sovereign Mistress, ourAdvocate, our Mediatrix, and our Consolation:Reconcile us with your Son; recommend us toyour Son; commit us to your Son. Amen.

Prayer to Mary Immaculate for a Life of Holiness

O, Immaculate Virgin, Mother of the true Godand Mother of the Church, you who show yourgraciousness and compassion for all those who seekrefuge in your protection, hear the prayer which webring to you with filial trust and present it to yourSon, Jesus, our only Redeemer.

O, Mother of Mercy, the teacher of silent andhidden sacrifice, to you, who come to meet us sin-ners, we offer on this day our whole being and allour love. We also offer you our life, our work, ourjoys, our weaknesses, and our suffering.

Grant our days peace, justice, and happiness, forwe entrust to your care all that we have and all thatwe are, Our Lady and Mother. We want to belongto you entirely, to walk with you the path of com-

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plete fidelity to Christ in His Church: guide usalways with your gracious hand.

Grant our families the grace to respect and loveeach conceived life with the same love with whichyou conceived the life of the Son of God in yourwomb.

Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, guard ourfamilies that they may always remain in harmony,and bless the upbringing of our children.

O Mary, our hope, look upon us with compas-sion; teach us always to walk towards Jesus; andshould we fall, help us to rise again and return toHim by confessing our faults and sins in the Sacra-ment of Reconciliation, which brings peace to oursouls. We beseech you, give us the gift of love forall the Holy Sacraments which your Son left for usas signs here on earth.

Then, O Most Holy Mother, with Gods peacein our conscience, with our hearts free from angerand hatred, we will be able to bring to others thetrue joy and the true peace whose source is yourSon, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reignswith the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever andever. Amen.

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Prayer for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception ofthe Most Blessed Virgin Mary

(by Blessed John Paul II)

Blessed be God, the Father of Our Lord, JesusChrist, who filled you, Virgin of Nazareth, with allspiritual blessings in Christ. In Him you were Im-maculately Conceived!

Chosen to be His Mother, in Him and throughHim you were redeemed more than any other hu-man being!

Preserved from the effects of original sin, youwere conceived and came into this world in thestate of sanctifying grace.

Full of grace! In todays feast we venerate thismystery of faith. Today, together with the entireChurch, we venerate the redemption which tookplace in you. This very special participation in theredemption of the world and man was reserved foryou alone: exclusively for you.

Hail Mary, Alma Redemptoris Mater!

You, who are the first among the redeemed, helpus, the people of the twentieth century which isdrawing to a close, and, at the same time, the peo-ple of the second millennium after Christ, to findour share in the mystery of redemption.

Help us to understand the profound divine di-mension, and, at the same time, the human dimen-

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sion of this mystery, and to have a fuller access to itsinexhaustible riches. We ask all this of you on to-days feast: O gracious, O compassionate, O sweetVirgin Mary. Amen.

Litany of Loreto

Lord, have mercy.Christ have mercy.Lord have mercy. Christ hear us.Christ graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary, pray for us.Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of Virgins, Mother of Christ, Mother of divine grace,Mother most pure,Mother most chaste,Mother inviolate,Mother undefiled,Mother most amiable,Mother most admirable,Mother of good Counsel,Mother of our Creator,Mother of our Savior,Virgin most prudent,

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Virgin most venerable,Virgin most renowned,Virgin most powerful,Virgin most merciful,Virgin most faithful,Mirror of justice,Seat of wisdom,Cause of our joy,Spiritual vessel,Vessel of honor,Singular vessel of devotion,Mystical rose,Tower of David,Tower of ivory,House of gold,Ark of the covenant,Gate of heaven,Morning star,Health of the sick,Refuge of sinners,Comforter of the afflicted,Help of Christians,Queen of Angels,Queen of Patriarchs,Queen of Prophets,Queen of Apostles,Queen of Martyrs,Queen of Confessors,Queen of Virgins,Queen of all Saints,Queen conceived without original sin,

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Queen assumed into heaven,Queen of the most holy Rosary,Queen of families,Queen of peace,

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.R. That we may be made worthy of the promis-

es of Christ.

V. Let us pray. Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, that we,

Your servants, may enjoy perpetual health ofmind and body, and by the glorious intercessionof Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be freedfrom present sorrow, and rejoice in eternal happi-ness. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Litany of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

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God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, God, the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, One God,

Holy Mary, pray for us.Holy Mary, conceived without original sin, All beautiful and with no stain, Free from all lust and covetousness, Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father, Chosen Mother of the Son of God, The most beloved Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Shrine of the Holy Trinity, Shining Dawn of the Sun of Justice, New Eve, as promised in Paradise, empowered to

crush the Serpents head, Consolation, Joy, and Blessing of

the Chosen People,The most perfect being of all creatures,Lily shining with purity among thorns,Virgin, wed to God in the dawn of time, Shining Light, adorned with seven gifts of

the Holy Spirit, Holocaust of Gods Love, Living Vessel of the Incarnate Word, Virgin Mother of Jesus, The greatest Pride of the Christian World,Worthy Daughter of the Old Covenants

holy women, Faithful Fulfillment of the Prophets visions, Blessed among women,

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Queen of heaven and earth, Conqueror of demons, Refuge of sinners, Strong Support of the weak, Treasury of Graces for all seeking holiness, Peerless Model for the saints, The most true Mirror of Jesuss Heart, Mediatrix

of Gods graces, for all are entrusted to you,Comforter of the afflicted and Hope of the dying, Special Protectress of those who call upon you, Most gracious Mother of all your children, Our Lady of Sorrows, present at the foot of

Christs Cross,Wide Gate of Heaven, for all your venerators, Rich Reward in Heaven for the imitators of your virtues, Special Patroness of those who spread the

honor of your Immaculate Conception,

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. In Your Conception, O Virgin Mary, You wereImmaculate.

R. Pray for us to God the Father, whose Son,Jesus, you brought forth into the world.

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V. Let us pray.O God, who, by the Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling forYour Son, grant, we pray, that, as You preserved herfrom every stain by virtue of the Death of Your Son,which You foresaw, so through her intercession, wetoo, may be cleansed and admitted to Your pres-ence. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of theHoly Spirit, one God for ever and ever.R. Amen.

Litany of the Mysteries of Marys Life

Mother of God and Virgin Immaculate, intercede for us.

Bringing joy to the world by your birth,Presented as a child in the Temple,Betrothed to St. Joseph,Greeted by the Archangel Gabriel,Chosen to be the Mother of God,Blessed among women and full of grace,Visiting St. Elizabeth, Giving birth to Jesus in Bethlehem,Revealing the Son of God to

the shepherds and the magi,Presenting your Son in the Temple,Fleeing into Egypt with Jesus,Finding Jesus in the Temple,Listening to the teaching Christ,Holding in your arms your Son taken down

from the Cross,

The first to welcome the Risen Lord,Watching your Son ascend to Heaven,Entreating the Holy Spirit upon

the Apostles gathered in the Cenacle,Assumed into Heaven body and soul,Our Most powerful Queen and Lady,

intercede for us.

V. By the mysteries of your life, you are our mo-del, O Lady.

R. Intercede for us that we may imitate you inour daily lives.

V. Let us pray.O Lord God, in the life of the Most Holy Virg-

in Mary, You have shown us the most perfect exam-ple of how to live our daily lives as followers of theSaviour, and have revealed the joy of salvation thatawaits us. Through the intercession of Mary, whoselife we ponder, grant that we may become co-heirsin the Kingdom of Your Son, who lives and reignswith You, for ever and ever.R. Amen.

Litanyto the Immaculate Heart of Mary

(by Blessed John Newman)

Immaculate Mary, gentle and humble of heartmake our hearts like the Heart of Jesus.

Heart of Mary pray for us.Heart of Mary, united with the Heart of Jesus,

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Heart of Mary, Temple of the Holy Trinity,Heart of Mary, Home of the Incarnate Word,Heart of Mary, overflowing with grace,Heart of Mary, blessed among all hearts,Heart of Mary, abyss of humility,Heart of Mary, sacrifice of love,Heart of Mary, crucified,Heart of Mary, consolation of the afflicted,Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners,Heart of Mary, hope of the dying,Heart of Mary, seat of mercy,Heart of Mary, pray for us.

V. Immaculate Mary, gentle and humble ofheart.

R. Make our hearts like the Heart of Jesus.

Novena Before the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.

Introductory prayer (recited daily)

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and theHoly Spirit. Amen.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, with you we praisethe Holy Trinity and thank the Triune God foryour preservation from original sin. We beseechyou most urgently to hear our petitions and grantus your help and protection. Amen.

Day 1. Immaculate Mary, we praise your Imma-culate Conception. You were greeted by the Arch-

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angel Gabriel with the words: Hail Mary, full ofgrace, the Lord is with you (Lk 1:28). We beg youto help us to call on your name to overcome evilinclinations and lusts. Amen.

Day 2. Immaculate Mary, you are the humblehandmaid of the Lord. You yourself used this namewhen you spoke to Gods messenger: Behold, Iam the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to meaccording to your word (Lk 1:38). Help us,through your intercession with your Son, to rootout from our lives all the pride which poisons oursouls. Amen.

Day 3. Immaculate Mary, you forgave all whowounded your Immaculate Heart and the SacredHeart of your Son, Jesus. Your Son taught us topray to the Father: Forgive us our debts, as wealso hav