Expert: Charlie B - 3/10/2011

Question
Hi! I'm a Lutheran, but some of my friends call me "semi-Catholic" :) I have some questions about the brown scapular, or the Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel:
Do the scapular have to be made of wool? What is the Roman Catholic Church's stance on the 'sabbatine privilege'? Why is the scapular promise: Whosoever dies wearing it shall not suffer eternal fire? Isn't one saved from hell by having faith in Christ?
I thank you for answers.

Answer
Mark,
Thanks for your question.  If your friends call you 'semi-Catholic' that's a compliment.  :-)  We love our Lutheran and Episcopalian brothers and sisters.

Yes, scapulars are made of wool, often blessed by a priest.  The "Sabbatine privilege" is tied to the Rosary.  The best explanation can be found at http://olrl.org/pray/rosary.shtml or http://www.holysouls.info/faq/74-indulgences/143-what-is-the-sabbatine-privilege   Of course, one can be saved from Hell by having faith in Christ, certainly - yet faith is a mystery and I don't claim to know everything.  Thus, if I could have an additional insurance against spending eternity in Hell, it might be worth it!

If I can be released from Hell early as the Sabbatine privilege promises, why not wear it?  My wife and daughter wears it constantly.  I hope this answers your questions and if it doesn't, ask a follow up question.  I also appreciate evaluations ...
Thanks and God bless,
Charlie