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With regard to the scapular as a conventional and sacred sign, the Church has intervened at various times in history to clarify its meaning, defend it, and confirm the privileges. From these Church documents there emerges with sufficient clarity the nature and meaning of the Carmelite scapular.
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1. The scapular is a Marian habit or garment. It is both a sign and pledge. A sign of belonging to Mary; a pledge of her motherly protection, not only in this life but after death.
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2. As a sign, it is a conventional sign signifying three elements strictly joined: first, belonging to a religious family particularly devoted to Mary, especially dear to Mary, the Carmelite Order; second, consecration to Mary, devotion to and trust in her Immaculate Heart; third an incitement to become like Mary by imitating her virtues, above all her humility, chastity, and spirit of prayer.
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This is the Church's officially established connection between the sign and that which is signified by the sign.
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(Fr. Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD)
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Here at St. Maria Goretti, those wishing to be enrolled in the Confraternity are invited to contact the Lay Carmelites for formation and the process information.