The Green Scapular: Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Cures and Conversions

The Green Scapular was given to the world by the Blessed Virgin Mary through a series of apparitions to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, a Daughter of Charity, in the early 1840’s in Paris, France. On the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Sept. 8th, 1840, the Mother of Jesus Christ appeared holding in her right hand her Immaculate Heart, mounted by flames and holding in her other hand a scapular.

The scapular consisted of a simple piece of green cloth, rectangular in shape, hanging from a green string. On one side was an image of Mary dressed in a long white gown which reached to her bare feet. Over this she wore a light blue mantle. However, she wore no veil. Instead, her beautiful hair hung loosely about her; and in her hands she held her Heart from the top of which burned abundant flames. Her bearing was enhanced by a heavenly, majestic beauty. On the other side of the scapular was pictured her Immaculate Heart, all ablaze and transparent as crystal, with rays pouring out that appeared more dazzling than the sun. This Heart, pierced with a sword, was encircled by an inscription in the form of an oval and topped by a golden Cross. The inscription read:

At the same time an interior voice revealed to Sister Justine that Jesus desired to establish among mankind a more tender and confident appreciation and love of His Most Beloved Mother by means of devotion to her through the title of her Immaculate Heart. When invoked under this title and through this holy image, Our Mother Mary would obtain great favors from her Divine Son - especially in the areas of health of mind, heart, body and soul.

Mary wanted copies of the scapular made as soon as possible and distributed with great confidence. However, certain questions needed to be answered. What circumstances were necessary to make the scapular effective? Was there a special blessing for it? Was there a ceremony for enrolling persons in its use? Were there any obligations for those who used it? Was the scapular for use only by certain groups of people or in certain situations?

To resolve these difficulties it was decided that Sister Justine would ask Our Lady herself what God’s Holy Will was in these matters. Mary replied that this scapular is not like others (it is not based on a religious habit) but is simply two holy images on a single piece of green material. Therefore, no special formula is required to bless it or enroll someone in its use. It suffices that it be blessed by a priest and worn by the one whom we desire to benefit by Our Blessed Mother’s intercession. If, on the other hand, the person is unable to receive it and/or pray its prayer, then the scapular may be kept nearby or for them.

If the person who is the intended beneficiary does not say this prayer, then anyone else can say it for them. The Green Scapular may be used anywhere, for anyone. Miraculous changes have taken place in work environments and other public places.

We have also seen miraculous gifts of healing given by our Mother Mary for people of all faiths, even non-Christians. Such is the mercy, power, and love of Jesus’ Mother!

There is one short prayer that is said, at least once a day (although saying it often is encouraged):

“Immaculate heart of Mary, pray for us now
and at the hour of our death.”

The greatest graces are attached to the use of the Green Scapular; but these graces are more or less great in proportion to the degree of confidence of the person praying. This was the meaning of the different levels of brightness of the rays which fell from the Mother of God’s hands during her last apparition.

Favors obtained by invoking Our Blessed Mother under this title have been truly remarkable. We have seen miracles of health, peace and renewal of faith. At a major national medical center near Washington, D.C. two people were cured of fatal diseases, just a few days from death! Elsewhere, through the Green Scapular devotion, others who were on the verge of suicide were given the wisdom to understand why they were so miserable - and the strength to make the changes necessary to bring true happiness and hope into their lives. Most importantly, there were truly wonderful graces bringing people in various circumstances to Faith in Jesus Christ. People involved in dangerous relationships saw their bad companions change for the better or else the relationship ended. Public environments (such as business, work or schools) witnessed an increase of purity in speech, modesty in dress and charity in behavior.