Round SCAPULAR Pendant MEDAL Sterling Silver 25.0 MM

Scapular Medals Pendant and Key Chain Bundle

   

Coin Size Reference

• Half Dollar: 30.61MM
• Quarter: 24.26MM
• Nickel: 21.21MM
• Penny: 19.05MM
• Dime: 17.91MM

About the Scapula

A scapular (from Latin scapula, shoulder) is a devotional artefact in the form of a cloth pendant, used in various Christian traditions, the wearing of which is believed by the faithful to confer a benefit to the wearer. The Roman Catholic Church considers it a sacramental. It can also refer to the article of the religious habit from which it evolved. For the purposes of this article, "scapular" refers to the smaller version worn by the laity. The piece of the religious habit will be referred to as a "monastic scapular".It is one of the many traditions of the Roman Catholic church. In its original form, the scapular is part of the habit of many monastic orders. Here it is a shoulder-wide length of cloth with a collar in the middle, worn over the traditional tunic or cassock, almost like a sleeveless surcoat. It is the equivalent of the analavos worn in the Eastern tradition (see Degrees of Orthodox monasticism). The modern "lay" form of the scapular (sometimes called the "reduced scapular", but this usage is archaic) is much smaller, designed to be unobtrusive and can be worn under regular clothing. It consists of two small squares of cloth, wood or laminated paper bearing religious images joined by two bands of cloth. It is worn so that one band is across each shoulder and that one square rests on the chest and the other on the back. Older forms of scapular exist that have extra bands running under the arms and connecting the squares.

Symbolism

Though they are descended from the monastic vestment bearing the same name, scapulae probably have more in common with the tefillin of Judaism. They are devotional objects designed to show one's pledge to a confraternity, a saint, or a way of life; as well as serving the wearer as a constant reminder of that vow. Many scapulae bear verses from scripture as well. In addition, Maimonides' Mishneh Torah has much to say on the wearing of tefillin that would seem familiar to Catholics who wear scapulae. Through the history of their use, scapulae have been variously labeled jugum Christi ("yoke of Christ") or scutum ("shield"), calling to mind various scripture passages. Many types of scapulae (see below) promise benefits or indulgences to those who wear them faithfully.