Faith-filled persons may receive many blessings from God through prayerful use of a sacramental, such as medals and or scapulars. Marian devotion is integral to the Vincentian vocation and the identity of the Daughters of Charity.
Since 1953 and until August 2008, the Marian Center was operated by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul as a resource center for promotion of devotion to Mary through the Miraculous Medal, the Green Scapular (produced by the Daughters of Charity), and the Red Scapular. The operations of producing the Green Scapulars has been transitioned to a local organization. Orders for the Green Scapulars can now be placed through the Seton Shrine Gift Shop or by ordering online. Below is a brief historic account about the history and benefits of the medals.
Significance of the Scapulars
Miraculous Medal
"O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you."
The Miraculous Medal was introduced at the request of The Blessed Virgin when she appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré, in 1830 Paris, France. Devotion to the Miraculous Medal is used by people of all faiths. With the approval of the Catholic Church, the first Medals were made in 1832 and distributed in Paris. Its greatest miracles are those of patience, forgiveness, repentance, and faith. The official name of the Miraculous Medal is The Medal of the Immaculate Conception.
Green Scapular
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death."
The Green Scapular came when Mary appeared to a Daughter of Charity, Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, in Paris in 1840. This powerful tool of prayer in honor of Mary’s Immaculate Heart aids persons whose religious faith is weak or negligible to bring them back to the faith and also for protection from Satan. More about the history and benefits of the Green Scapular...
Red Scapular
"Holy passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, protect us."
The Red Scapular depicts the passion of our Lord and of the sacred hearts of Jesus and Mary. It was promoted as a result of apparitions of Jesus to Sister Apolline Andriveau, another Daughter of Charity, in 1846.
History of the Green Scapular
Popular Marian devotion grew rapidly during World War II and the subsequent canonization of Saint Catherine Labouré, who received the Miraculous Medal in the Marian Year of 1954, which was the centenary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
A team of dedicated scapular-makers worked with the Daughters of Charity to make the Green Scapular by hand. White cloths with Mary’s image and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are assembled onto small patches of green felt. The production process continues with Marian Center staff using a seal-o-matic machine to seal the plastic that holds the felt and ribbon together.
People worldwide have requested the Green Scapular. These religious articles are ideal for distribution at Marian Devotions, parish days of recollection, in retreat centers, hospital ministries, parish visitation of the sick, schools, and so on.
Benefits of the Green Scapular
Promises and benefits of the Green Scapular include:
- Conversion of those who do not have the faith
- Reconciliation to the Church for those who have lost or strayed from the faith
- Assurance of a happy death
- Strengthening of the faith for those already in the Church
- Protection from Satan for those who wear the scapular with devotion or those who promote it.
Following are some of the testimonials connected with the green scapulars:
"Since receiving the medal from you, I’ve felt a peace of mind I haven’t felt for a long time. … It is a reminder that there are things out there bigger than my problems, it reminds me of God...."
"Before I left for a pilgrimage to Rome, I requested some Green Scapulars. I took them with me for the Papal Blessing. I share them with those it seems Our Lady wishes to have them – alcoholics in remission, terminally ill patients, those who have returned to the Church after many years absence. Many wonderful things have happened."
Inquiries and Requests
Donations are welcome at any time and may be sent to:
The Daughters of Charity
Attn: Seton Shrine Gift Shop
333 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Phone: 301-447-7122
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