Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

A person can be enrolled in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel through a simple ceremony conducted by any priest or deacon. This involves using official prayers and results in an affiliation with the Carmelite Family. Enrollment obligates individuals to practice some aspects of Carmelite spirituality and allows them to partake in the spiritual benefits of the Order of Carmel.

The Brown Scapular, consisting of two pieces of brown wool connected by straps, symbolizes being under Mary's maternal protection and helps manifest Jesus in the lives of those who wear it. It serves as a habit for the Carmelite Order, indicating varying degrees of affiliation. These affiliations include being part of the Secular/Lay Order or a public association or confraternity dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, having been invested in the scapular while practicing the Order’s spirituality, or wearing it out of devotion without formal association.

Regarding whether wearing a scapular is valid without enrollment, those not officially enrolled do not receive all spiritual benefits provided by the Carmelite Order. However, it is suggested that God may still extend His grace to those who devoutly wear the Brown Scapular despite not being formally enrolled.