By Olivia Obijiaku
A parishioner of Our Lady Queen Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Mr. Patrick Idehen has called for the right use of the Brown Scapular.
Mr. Idehen made the call in the parish, during the talk he delivered on Wednesday. May 21, 2025, as part of the activities mapped out for the ongoing May Devotion in the parish.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Origin, Uses and Abuses of the scapular in Our Time: A Call for a More Reverential Attitude towards the Sacramental,’ he observed that for some time, misunderstandings have led to the misuse and abuse of the Brown Scapular Devotion.
He disclosed that some people wear the scapular without adequate preparation, while some others wear it for the wrong reasons. Superstitiously, he noted, some people believe that wearing the scapular guarantees salvation regardless of one’s actions or lifestyle, thereby, treating the it as ‘a get out of hell free card’ instead of a sign of spiritual commitment.
He revealed that some people use it as magic charm, “Thinking that the scapular has inherent power, akin to a talisman, rather than understanding its value through faith and devotion. Some people wear the scapular without being properly invested, which undermines the sacramental nature and tradition behind it. Some neglect the required devotion, ignoring the accompanying obligations such as prayer, regular confession, and living a moral life, in addition to treating it as merely a token, rather than a sign of Marian discipleship.”
Mr. Idehen proffered proper catechesis and enrollment, imploring priests and catechists to teach the true meaning and obligations of wearing the Brown Scapular.
