Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception
The Blue Scapular has its origin in the apparition of Our Lady Immaculate Conception on February 2, 1617 to Venerable Sister Ursula Benincasa, foundress of the Theatine Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in the city of Naples, Italy. On the front, the scapular bears the image of the Blessed Virgin, the Immaculate Conception, who always prays for us at all times of our lives, delivering us from sin and the plots of the enemy. In the back, it presents the apparition of Our Lady to Sister Ursula Benincasa. In this apparition, Our Lady asked Sister Ursula that the Blue Scapular be spread among all her children, promising all the faithful to wear it with devotion:
- They will all be covered by her Sacred mantle;
- They will have its defense against all the traps of the enemy that lead us to sin;
- Plenary and partial indulgences, both in life and in death;
- Healing in sicknesses;
- Fortitude of faith in the face of difficulties
- A good death assisted by the sacraments of unction and reconciliation;
- Wisdom and the light of God in difficult moments
- Our Lady's defense on the day of the final judgment
- A shield of graces against all dangers;
- Her eternal intercession with Jesus and many other graces.
Vision of Venerable Ursula Benincasa from 1617
This apparition prepared the whole world for the Church's promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which took place on December 8, 1854.
Some Saints who used and spread the Blue Scapular
Saint Alphonsus Mary de Liguori (1750), GREAT PROMOTOR OF MARIAN DEVOTION, used it and taught the devotees of Our Lady to always have the protection and Grace of Mary.
Saint Dominic Savio (1842-1857) wore the Blue Scapular constantly, founding on June 8, 1856 a brotherhood of the Immaculate Conception, thus spreading this devotion to the Blue Scapular. On September 12, 1856, he went to Turin, Italy, to assist her mother who was in danger of death due to a complicated childbirth, she took the Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception with her and only imposed it on her mother, Dona Brigida, who gave birth to her little sister Catherine.
St. Pius X Pope (1903-1914) wore it very devoutly on his chest, a constant sign of his love for Mary.
Blessed Mother Ursula Benincasa, had always received many letters from the ladies of the European nobility and from many people devoted to Our Lady who wore the Blue Scapular, telling how many graces and rich cures had been obtained through this Scapular.
Prayer for Imposition of the Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception - Act of Consecration
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of God and powerful advocate of sinners, in the presence of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, of the whole Heavenly Court, of Her most chaste spouse, Saint Joseph, the glorious Saint Caetano, and Saint Michael the Archangel, whom I choose as my special advocate in my spiritual and temporal needs, repentant of all my sins, I turn to You and offer my praise and love in Your honor.
For the honor and glory of your most sweet Son Jesus I consecrate and give myself all to You as His faithful servant and offer You my heart to always deliver me from every evil thought and from the evil forces of this world.
Moved by a burning desire to live and die under your Blue Mantle of Your Immaculate Conception, and now with all my soul I say to You: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me, poor sinner now and at the hour of my death, that I may sing one day in Heaven with St. Joseph and St. Cajetan, Glory be to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.