The "Purple" Scapular of Benediction and Protection

I've recently been asked a few questions about the images on the "Purple" Scapular and also on the nature of the graces received through it as featured in the book "We Are Warned: The Prophecies of Marie-Julie Jahenny" and thought it would be a great opportunity to write out a detailed Q and A style post to cover any and all questions for those seeking clarity on the Scapular.

All right, let's begin!

Q: Where did this Scapular come from and is this approved by the Catholic Church?

A:  The Scapular was shown in a vision on August 23, 1878 to the stigmatist and mystic Marie-Julie Jahenny (1850-1941).  The Scapular was shown to her resting on the Immaculate Heart of Mary.   Marie-Julie Jahenny was born on Coyault, but lived in La Fraudais, just a short distance north of Blain in Brittany France.  She was approved about three years before then by her local bishop in 1875, Bishop Fournier, bishop of Nantes.  

 

 

Before the new norms for determining the authenticity of mystics was released by the Vatican in July of 2024, a mystic or apparition did not not need direct approval from the Vatican, in fact, the Vatican rarely weighed in.  A local bishop's approval was recognized as universal official Church approval.  Any older rulings before 2024 are still in effect until otherwise noted by a new investigation under the new norms.  

 

Marie-Julie Jahanny as of yet has not yet been investigated under the new norms, and, she was never officially condemned by the Church.

 

To find out more about Marie-Julie Jahenny and her prophecies, click here.

Q: What's the story of the Scapular?  Why did Heaven reveal this relatively new scapular to the world?

A: It is Scapular was specially designed by Our Lord and Our Lady themselves, Our Lady said: "... for a long time my Son and I have had the desire to make known this scapular of benediction."

 First, to remind the faithful about various details of the Passion and Our Lady's Sorrows so that they may receive their due share of veneration, and second, to protect us during the coming chastisements, for the world is already being cleansed due to its manifold sins and corruption, and it is about to get worse.  Our Lady said: "This first apparition of this scapular will be a new protection for the times of the chastisements."

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 Q: What are the exact words of the vision regarding this Scapular as revealed to Marie-Julie Jahenny?

 A: From an ecstasy dated August 23, 1878:

The words of Marie-Julie Jahenny: “Here is what the Holy Virgin shows me on Her Immaculate Heart: it is a large scapular, larger than ordinary scapulars, a bit larger than the palm of a hand. It’s a beautiful purple, almost the colour of a violet. This is what is on it: in the middle, there are the three nails which crucified Our Lord on the Cross, they are all touching each other, not quite in the shape of the Cross and at the tip of each nail, there is a drop of vermilion blood. Above the nails heads, there is a sort of big sponge, with a bark that rises up, more or less like on oat husks. The three drops of blood come together, about to fall into a little chalice painted in red, and the chalice is surrounded by a crown of thorns, there are three little cross engraved on the front of this chalice. This is one side of the scapular, which the Blessed Virgin is wearing on her cloak.

“I notice that this scapular is held in place by two violet-coloured straps which go over each shoulder, there are three knots on the left shoulder and two on the right one.

“The other side (back) of the scapular portrays the Blessed Virgin Mary sitting down, holding her adorable Son in her arms, the mouth and head of Our Lord are laid against the heart of the Blessed Virgin. At the bottom of the scapular, and almost at Our Lord’s foot, there is an angel dressed in white, with curly hair, wearing a white crown on his head, and a red belt. He is holding in his hands a white cloth, with which he wipes Our Lord’s feet. Beside the angel, to the right of the scapular, there is a picture of a ladder. Behind Our Lord, to the left, there is the reed from the Passion painted in red, but there is no sponge. To the right, can be seen the tears of the Blessed Virgin which fall on Her breast, stopping at the Angel’s feet. There is a red border around the scapular and the straps are made of wool.

“Now my dear child,” says the Blessed Virgin Mary to me, “let me give you the explanation of this scapular. I am addressing you, my victim and my servant. My children of the Cross, for a long time now, my Son and I have desired to make this scapular of benediction known. This scapular, my children, is made to all intents and purposes on my Heart, because my Heart is the emblem of simplicity and humility – hence the colour is violet. The nails that pierced the Feet and Hands of my Son are venerated very little and they merit veneration – that is why my Son, in His divine wisdom, has three nails painted on the front of the scapular. The three drops of Blood and the chalice represent generous hearts that collect the blood of my Divine Son. The red sponge will represent my Divine Son drinking, in a way, His children’s sins which, however, His adorable Mouth refuses. I desire that the background of the scapular be of a violet colour, but I would like the nails, the chalice, the sponge, and the crown to be on a piece of dark red flannel. This first appearance of this scapular will be a new protection for the time of chastisements, calamities and famines. All those who wear it will be able to pass through storms, tempests and darkness; they will have light as in broad daylight. This is the power of this unknown scapular.’

“The Blessed Virgin Mary presents the scapular to Our Lord who says in His turn :

“I am addressing Myself to you, My victim, and also to My other victims and My servant, My children of the Cross. I want to reveal to you an idea, a profound thought – it is for this reason I have come now.

I wish to speak to you of the time when I was taken off the Cross and entrusted to My Mother – this descent, this matter for reflection, is a devotion, which is little known. By producing this scapular, I would like that these moments penetrate into the hearts of the children of the Cross, and that they would salute me by these three salutations:

“ I salute You, crucified Jesus, for granting me life.

I salute You with all the joy of the Angels and Saints during Your descent from the Cross.

I salute You with the sorrow of your Mother when You were placed on her Heart and on her Immaculate lap.”

“My children, very few souls think of wiping the adorable Wounds of My Feet when the blood flows. I would like this representation of Me to be made known. Similarly, there are few who think of the tears shed by my Mother during My Passion; those tears are at the feet of the Angel who wipes My sacred Feet. By means of this scapular, I would like you to think of this ladder, this reed and those nails of My Passion.

“My children, each soul, each person who possesses this scapular will see his family protected, his home will also be protected, first of all from fires which will never be able to penetrate inside. This scapular will strike down any ungrateful people who will blaspheme My Name in the house where it will be exposed. If an impious person enters the home, he will be struck with such strength that his conversion will not be long coming. All those who will wear it will be preserved from thunder, sudden death and accidents. During the chastisements they will be protected. Whoever will place it in the Holy Temple, (I.e. in a church), will ward off from there all the impious and any profanations.”

Our Lord adds again that by calling to mind this scapular to a stubborn soul at the hour of the death, it will awaken in the soul, faith and conviction. All those who will think of it and love it, will be spared affliction of the soul. All those who will wear it, will be safe from all danger, as if they were already in Heaven. Finally, this scapular will be a means of offsetting the blows of the just Divine Anger which thus, will not weigh down on souls.”

(Our Lord continues:)“Every priest can bless this scapular. When wearing this scapular, souls should pray 5 or 7 times the CRUX AVE and meditate from one to three minutes on My Holy Passion. I will grant great graces to those who would like to wear this holy habit.”

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RECAP: The REQUIRED MEDITATION AND PRAYERS:

*) MEDITATION each day on the Passion of Our Lord for 1 to 3 minutes. Meditations should include in particular, the nails, the reed on which the sponge was placed, the bitterness of the sins Our Lord had to atone for, (represented by the sponge), Our Lord's descent from the cross via the ladder, the tears of Our Lady, especially during the 6^th Sorrow when Our Lord's body was placed in her arms. Also, the Precious Blood that flowed from His Feet.

The Prayer to be said as part of this daily meditation:

“ I salute You, crucified Jesus, for granting me life.

I salute You with all the joy of the Angels and Saints during Your descent from the Cross.

I salute You with the sorrow of your Mother when You were placed on her Heart and on her Immaculate lap.”

*) The CRUX AVE Prayer, must be said 5 or 7 times (daily)

Note: there were two 'Crux Ave' prayers revealed to Marie-Julie Jahenny during other ecstasies: it is not mentioned which one was intended to be said with the Scapular, so, it is best to say both:

1) “Crux Ave, spes Unica! Et Verbum caro factum est. Jesus, Vanquisher of death save us!”

2. “I hail thee, adorable cross of my Saviour. Guard us, keep us, save us! Jesus loved you so much. Following His example, I love you. By your holy image, calm our fears, that I feel only peace and confidence!”

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THE PROMISES and GRACES of this SCAPULAR (RECAP):

The Promises of Our Lady:

“This first appearance of this scapular will be a new protection for the time of chastisements, calamities and famines. All those who wear it will be able to pass through storms, tempests and darkness; they will have light as in broad daylight. This is the power of this unknown scapular.”

The Promises of Our Lord:

“My children, each soul, each person who possesses this scapular will see his family protected, his home will also be protected, first of all from fires which will never be able to penetrate inside. This scapular will strike down any ungrateful people who will blaspheme My Name in the house where it will be exposed. If an impious person enters the home, he will be struck with such strength that his conversion will not be long coming. All those who will wear it will be preserved from thunder, sudden death and accidents. During the chastisements they will be protected. Whoever will place it in the Holy Temple, (I.e. in a church), will ward off from there all the impious and any profanations.”

Our Lord adds again that by calling to mind this scapular to a stubborn soul at the hour of the death, it will awaken in the soul, faith and conviction. All those who will think of it and love it, will be spared affliction of the soul. All those who will wear it, will be safe from all danger, as if they were already in Heaven. Finally, this scapular will be a means of offsetting the blows of the just Divine Anger which thus, will not weigh down on souls. (...) I will grant great graces to those who would like to wear this holy habit.”

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 Q. Do the Scapulars need to be blessed?

A. *) FOR NOW, the SCAPULAR NEEDS TO BE BLESSED: There is no revealed investiture ceremony for this scapular, therefore, as Our Lord says “every priest may bless it”, we must assume this scapular must be blessed by a priest in order to gain the promised graces.

Q:  Is there a particular blessing that the priest needs to say over it? 

A: As far as I am aware, no.  There is no particular blessing that was revealed for it, and as it has not yet officially been made part of a religious order or confraternity, it would fall under the category of a 'private devotion' scapular, and so a special enrollment and blessing has not yet been formulated by the Church.  We can safely assume priests may use the regular blessing for sacramentals at the present time until the Church formally decides otherwise.

 

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Q: If I need a new one because my old one has worn out, does the new one need to be blessed again?

A: For now, yes.  

Unlike the Brown Scapular, there is no confraternity or religious order yet associated with the Purple Scapular.  Enrolment in a confraternity means the person is blessed with the graces of the order, e.g. a Brown Scapular is a miniature version of the Carmelite habit so a replacement does not need to be blessed, but since the Purple Scapular is not part of an order yet, and has to be blessed as a regular sacramental, it is better to be on the safe side and have your  replacement Purple Scapular blessed. 

No doubt this Scapular will one day be associated with the religious order that will run the promised Sanctuary of the Cross that will be built on the site of Marie-Julie's cottage but until then, get your new one blessed.

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Q: If I want to make my own, can I use just any material?

A: The directions are specific, so NO, one must keep to the directions regarding the materials and how it is to be made. 

* The main colour of the background of the Scapular (i.e the main two reactangle panels) must be violet purple and made of wool.

One must also adhere to the Church's ruling regarding the making of scapulars.

The Church has set conditions regarding the materials for the panels of large 'habit scapulars' connected with an order, and also the smaller scapulars according to the New Advent Website – so all SCAPULARS MUST BE OF WOVEN SHEEPS WOOL – i.e. woven wool cloth:

“The small scapulars consist essentially of two quadrilateral segments of woolen cloth (…) connected with each other by two strings or bands in such a manner that, when the bands rest on the shoulders, the front segment rests before the breast, while the other hangs down an equal distance at the back. (…) The material of these two essential parts of the scapular must be of woven wool.” (New Advent).

So, it is automatically to be understood the purple panels of the Scapular of Benediction and Protection must be of woven wool cloth, with no other fabric mixtures in the cloth. Our Lord described the Purple Scapular as a "holy habit", so it must have the same conditions as a habit-scapular, it must be of wool. 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE about  'wool felt' and 'felted wool' - do not confuse the two. Both are different!  Wool felt is a material made of wool fibers mashed together but is NOT woven. The Church says we must use woven wool.  'Felted wool' on the other hand is woven wool that has been 'fuzzed up' to look like felt, but it IS woven and can be used.

 

 Basically, if the wool is 'fuzzy' like felt, make sure it is the WOVEN kind and not just mashed up fibers.

 

 

 * The main cloth / rectangular parts must be slightly larger than the palm of the hand.

*  2nd UPDATE - INFO ABOUT THE STRAPS (Oct. 11, 2020): the vision specifically said the straps are to be of violet wool, basically matching the back of the Purple Scapular as much as possible.  There are to be three knots over the left shoulder, and two knots over the right.   There is confusion as to whether or not the strap material may be changed as the Church has declared the smaller scapulars do not have to have wool straps.  HOWEVER, considering the colour of the straps is stipulated in the vision to Marie-Julie along with unique  knots, and, as Marie-Julie says this scapular is bigger than normal small scapulars, and, has special Passion prayer devotions attached, this sets it apart from the other smaller scapulars, so it is apparent the wool detail of the Purple Scapular straps is important, similar to the Red Passion Scapular and the Five Fold Scapular in that these other two have a specific colour attached.  The Red Passion Scapular was given in a vision to Sr. Louise-Apolline Andriveau in 1846 with very specific details and approved in 1857 by the Church. The Red Passion Scapular straps MUST be made of red wool, for unlike the small scapulars, the Church did not change this detail regarding the wool as given in the vision.    The Purple Scapular is also a 'Passion' scapular, and considering the unique details given about it like the Red Passion Scapular, it is obvious Heaven wished this Scapular to be set apart and the woolen strap detail retained.

After searching online, I discovered there are French and Italian companies making woven wool ribbons / straps, and the weave looks very much like that on the Purple Scapulars sold in France, so it appears that the convent in France making them for the  'Marie Julie Association' and elsewhere  have either found a company making wool ribbons, or, they have had them custom made.  In all, the are making them according to the exact directions as given in the vision to Marie-Julie Jahenny regarding the wool detail similar to the Red Passion scapular.   

 

 If you want to make your own Purple scapulars, you can try and source wool woven ribbons, OR, you can use the same woven wool material used for the main panels of the Purple Scapular by cutting out long strips as the wool in a scapular must be woven.  

 

 

 *The symbols of the sponge, the chalice and the drops of Blood from the nails on the front must be 'painted' in red, on a dark red flannel panel. Marie-Julie said the design was 'painted' - she did not simple say the design was red, she also mentioned 'painted'. So, this also means the material and the type of work, it must be painted. meaning paint or pant-like ink applied - the picture should not be made with embroidery. 

It could be hand-done, you can use a brush or sponge the design in with the help of a stencil. (In this case, it is easier to paint all the Passion symbols on the front in red.)  

 

 The main point is the Passion symbols be applied onto the flannel material like a painting, and not embroidered. 

 

Screen printing is applying the image with ink,so that might work too.

 

 

The symbols must match the description in the vision.  Our Lady: "I desire that the end of the scapular, be of violet, (the background), but I desire that the nails, the chalice, the sponge and the crown be on a piece of dark red flannel."

 

  

(UPDATE Feb. 2025: flannel was originally made from wool and carded yarn, if you can find 100% wool flannel, it would be great, but, even I am finding it impossible to find 100% pure wool flannel, at the most I can find a 70% wool flannel.  Our Lady did say she wanted 'flannel' for this part, and since Heaven does not demand the impossible, the Church has said it is the essential parts of a scapular that need to be pure woven wool, i.e. the main rectangle parts that hang in front in back, so if you can only find a flannel wool mix for the dark red part, this should be acceptable as long as the purple part of the Scapular is pure woven wool.)

 

*The image of the Pietá must be as close to the description of the vision as much as possible. However, there is no specification to the material this image must be on, so this could be printed or painted on any material, cotton, wool, etc.  Since this is a very detailed image, handpainting this would make production close to impossible, and Heaven doesn't make things impossible.   Printing the image on iron on T-shirt transfers are an idea - it appears the convent in France that first started making these has used this idea.  Sew them on as well for extra support.

* The Scapular must be edged in red, (although what type of material that edge should be is not specified.)

Q: What if the images fade from wear and tear, especially the painted parts? What do I do?

A:  If they are just faded a bit, like the tiny little crosses on the chalice tend to fade, and you can still make out the image, they are still okay.  However, if you are having big trouble seeing what all the symbols are, or they are gone entirely, then it's definitely time to repair them or get a new scapular.

As a judge of how 'faded' they have to be for this to ensure you still receive the Blessings, there doesn't seem to be a ' rule'- I suggest using the rule applied to most sacramentals and priest vestments:  for instance, if a set of Rosary beads with a Papal Blessing is missing half its beads, then it's considered not fit for purpose and the blessing is no longer on the set.  If a set of Mass vestments go threadbare and look really worn, then they must be replaced to be fit for the august service of the altar.  So, if the images are really damaged or practically gone on your Purple Scapular, or, if the straps have really frayed to bits, I'd suggest repairing them, or getting a new one since the symbols and straps are important. 

In fact, prevention is better than cure: cover the squares of your Scapular with clear plastic wrap of some kind if you can to prevent damage happening to the delicate details. 

To repair the paint part in front with the Passion symbols: print off a picture of the Purple Scapular, carefully cut out the symbols with a razor blade and use the print as a stencil, or if you're artistically inclined, do your best to paint them in by hand with a very tiny brush. 

For the back image of the Pieta: there is no stipulation saying this image has to be on cloth.  You can use T-shirt transfers, etc.

If the images had to be repaired, or a new strap put on, etc., I'd suggest having your Scapular re-blessed as it is not part of a confraternity yet.  

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Q: Where Can I Buy the Scapulars?

 (UPDATE - May 2025): - PLEASE STAY TUNED!!!  - I will soon be making Purple Scapulars!

 

 I will be offering the Scapular with a new and more durable Pietá design, hopefully, it will look better than the first picture that has been presented on the Scapular before.   It has taken me quite awhile to source the proper materials, the biggest challenge is getting the Passion symbols done correctly as they have to be hand painted on or manually applied with paint to a red flannel, preferably with a majority wool content on the red flannel.  As soon as I can get this part perfected to the best of my ability, I will be selling the Scapulars.  

 

 Not only that, I will be offering the option to have them have them blessed with the Traditional Latin blessing for religious objects, and, have them placed on the exact spot where Our Lady appeared to the children of Fatima,  during the August apparitions, and also where the Angel of Peace appeared (aka St. Michael), both of  which took place in Valinhos next to the home village.  This will be done  AFTER payment has been made on the Scapulars, of course. 

 

  Until then, here are the best places I know of where you can get them online.  Please note: The majority of the Scapulars at the moment are made in a convent in France, so as they need to be shipped from Europe first expect them to be pricey, especially as they require more material and are more detailed than most scapulars.  (And no, I make nothing promoting these sites, I'm just sharing info!)

 

 

NOTE: I DO NOT recommend buying the Scapulars from Amazon, or Etsy, or other online shops UNLESS you are ABSOLUTELY SURE they are made properly and are the right size! 

 

 For instance there are scapulars on Amazon that DO NOT HAVE woolen straps, and the straps must be of wool.  Some scapulars there are also made using non-woven wool, and the wool MUST BE woven for it to be made in accordance with Church rules on scapulars.  Etc.  Some people think it is cute to make them small like 'regular' scapulars, but they are not following the vision in that the Purple Scapular must be bigger than the others, they must be slightly larger than the size of the palm of a person's hand, so yes, they are meant to be bigger!  Some people are even making them with  the wrong colors on the symbols!

BEWARE OF other 'ARTSY' CHANGES:

 

They MUST be RECTANGLE - no oval or circle shapes.  The straps MUST be wool and violet (violet purple)- no satin or grosgrain ribbons, or similar changes

 

 I repeat, people are also making 'small' scapulars - avoid these!  They MUST be slightly larger than the palm of a hand, which is why this scapular is larger than others.

The Colors must be exact: The symbols of the sponge, the chalice and the drops of Blood from the nails on the front must be 'painted' in RED, on a dark red flannel panel.  (No gold chalices, or white sponges, or other colors that deviate from the color specified for these particular objects, etc.  I see quite a lot of these online.  No embroidery either.)    

 

Avoid 'frilly' edges made with pinking shears, i.e that jig jag shape we see on some scapulars as a 'decoration' - the Church has traditionally taught that scapulars should not have over embellishments like that on them, or lace edges, etc.  People are taking too many artsy liberties with the outside edges of scapulars these days. The rectangle edges should be plain straight. 

 

 If you are a Purple Scapular maker and wish to be listed here, you MUST make the Scapulars exactly according to the instructions and specification of the Church regarding woven wool, etc.

*****  This list I KNOW are made properly according to the instructions of Marie-Julie:

 

1) Sacramentals.org:  https://www.sacramentals.org/marie-julie.htm

Sacramentals.org is based in the USA but will ship overseas. Also has the 'Cross of Pardon' and the medal of 'Our Lady of Bonne Garde' to protect faith and purity shown to Marie-Julie Jahenny.  

2) St. Michael's store: http://www.stmichaelstore.com/scapofben.html
They also have the medal of 'Our Lady of Bonne Garde' shown to Marie-Julie, click here for th medal.  Also, the Cross of Pardon (Forgiveness), click here.

 

3) Gift Shop of Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry: https://osmm.org/shop

 I believe this order is connected with Fr. Ripperger.


4) The Leaflet Missal - Catholic Company -  https://www.leafletonline.com/benediction-protection-scapular

5) CatholiCity:  (UPDATE August 19, 2021) --  https://www.catholicity.com/scapulars/purplescapular.html     This site has just informed they were finally able to find 100% woven wool for their scapulars, which is the one problem they had, so their scapulars are NOW made according to the instructions.

6) The Seller "15Decades" on Etsy sells handmade, hand dyed wool Purple Scapulars:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/15Decades

 

(IMPORTANT NOTE - the "15Decades" seller, DeniseMariaTeresa list above, is the ONLY Scapular maker from ETSY I recommend right now regarding the Purple Scapular as she is making them correctly.  She will also ship overseas.
   

    The other sellers on there are NOT making them properly, for instance the other sellers are using just plain felt of unwoven wool with smashed fibres and therefore not acceptable.  If they are using wool that looks like felt, it must be woven felted wool -- the Church specifies the fabric must be woven, NOT the plain smashed fibres.   Also, the other sellers that are not making them properly do not have the proper knots  in the straps, or the straps are not wool like they should be, and it looks like the Passion symbols are not on real red flannel, etc.  If you see a Purple Scapular listed on Etsy, Ebay or Amazon, PLEASE CHECK DETAILS or CONTACT THE SELLER IF YOU ARE NOT SURE!) 


 

8) www.scapulars-au.com - shop based in Australia - also has the 'Cross of Pardon' and the medal of Our Lady of Bonne Garde to protect faith and purity shown to Marie-Julie Jahenny.

 

 

9) Chiré - online sacramental shop in France, click here, NOTE: I haven't shopped with them, so I don't know how safe they are to shop with, shop at your own risk.  Also the site is in French.  You will need to read French for this shop, but they do carry the correctly made Scapulars.

 

 

Reminder, I am advising DO NOT BUY FROM AMAZON, ETSY OR EBAY with the exception of the sellers listed here.  I've discovered other sellers are making them from wool felt that is not woven, the Church says the wool whether plain wool or felted wool must be WOVEN.  Sellers are using just plain unwoven wool felt, and blended wool straps, the straps must be FULL WOOL according to the vision. CHECK WITH THE SELLERS and WATCH PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS.  

 

 If you wish to be listed here, you MUST make the Scapulars exactly according to the specification of the Church regarding woven wool, and 100% wool straps according to the instruction of the vision, etc.

(!!!) Word of Advice: this is sad to say, but I also do NOT recommend shopping on the online site run by the "Friends of Marie-Julie Jahenny Association" in France -  their site has glitches, people have placed orders and paid for items and never received them.  Also, the Association never seems to answer e-mails anymore, so it will be difficult if next to impossible to sort out the problem or get your money back should the order go wrong.   Some people said they ordered and things were okay, but other people have told me they've lost money over their site -  so I wouldn't recommend it.  Shop on their site at your own risk.

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Q. There is a Web Site Called “Our Lady's Resistance” that says Marie-Julie Jahenny is not approved and neither is the Purple Scapular. They give a list of reasons why the Scapular is false, such as it is an attempt to replace the Black Scapular of the Passion, also, that Our Lady is missing a halo and the picture is ugly, which make it fake. What is your reponse to this?

A. First of all, they obviously have no idea that Marie-Julie Jahenny was indeed approved by her local bishop in 1875, Bishop Fournier of Nantes, and that a representative of the Vatican Commision who was monitoring her case performed an excorcism over her and declared what was happening to her was indeed SUPERNATURAL – meaning from Heaven.

Since “Our Lady's Resistance” does not know she is approved, they are therefore trying to descredit everything shown to her. The fact that the depiction of Our Lord and Lady are missing 'halos' on the Purple Scapular is a very weak foundation to descredit the Scapular!

Our Lady appeared with no halo, or even a veil when revealing the Green Scapular, she appeared with her hair flowing, no halo. That hasn't stopped anyone from wearing it, and, the Church has approved the Green Scapular.

RE: about the argument that the Purple Scapular is a ruse to turn purple away from the Black Scapular of the Passion, saying that the color purple of the new scapular is meant to cancel out the black representing the death of Christ on the other. This is rubbish. If 'Our Lady's Resistence' had read up on the Purple Scapular they would have seen that the color violet purple was chosen by Heaven to represent the virtue of HUMILITY: the humility of Our Lady's Immaculate Heart and the humility of Christ. It in no way does it cancel out a completely different scapular. And, there's nothing stopping you from wearing both! So there is no issue of scapulars 'cancelling' each other out. In fact, the Church has a huge list of scapulars-the Brown, White, Red, the Black, St. Michaels, St. Joseph's, the Five Fold Sacpular, etc, you can wear as many as you like, or think your shoulders can hold!

Also, their comments on Our Lady's clothes sounds like an art critique, saying they are ugly because they are 'off color' and the cloak is 'ugly'. That is only their opinion on the art, and that is not a valid reason to discredit the Scapular.

I have tried to contact the 'Our Lady's Resistance' site to tell them that Marie-Julie Jahenny is approved and to please correct their information, but I have received no answer. I have a feeling the name of their site is apt - they are 'resisting' Our Lady. 

 

 

 

UPDATE New Question - 

 

Q.  Have you seen the recent video by Dr. Mark Miravalle against the Purple Scapular and the visions Marie-Julie?  If so, what is your response to it?

 

 A. Recently, Dr. Mark Miravalle has issued a YouTube video with several accusations against the visions of Marie-Julie Jahenny and the Purple Scapular. ("Purple Scapular - Serious Concerns", c. July 2023)  I would not have known about this video at all were it not for the concerned people contacting me for my response to such an attack on her. I watched the video, and, it was hard to sit through. He has taken information out of context, and even left out important information to where his observations are inaccurate and in some cases cringe-worthy coming from a theologian. Therefore, I have recently posted a defence of Marie-Julie and her visions in accordance to the various objections he raised. You can read my response by clicking the link below:

 

 https://marie-juliejahenny.blogspot.com/p/defence-of-marie-julie-jahenny-response.html

 

 

 

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So far, that's all the questions I have received or can think of.  

If there is something not answered here, leave your question in the comments and I'll do my best to answer it!

Also, if you have received a miracle or grace through this Scapular, please share it in the comment section below!  

 

(Find out more about Marie-Julie Jahenny, click here.)

Writer's 'Anti-Gel' and some Supernatural Assistance

A writer often is often asked: “What do you do when you are struck with Writer's Block?”

You know, that dreaded experience of trying to get the next project off the ground, but find yourself staring at the screen or notepad for hours because the words, story ideas or subject matter are nowhere in sight. Finding any inspiring idea just seems like trying to hunt and trap an extinct mythical creature that can no longer be caught and tamed. Frustrating!

That's your hard core definition of Writer's Block, not having something to write about.  However, believe it or not, in my experinece that's somewhat rare.  A 'block' also has its common variety of niggling frustrations that are more common.

How about the kind where you have your story or academic subject matter ready to put to page, depending on where your creativity is leading you, everything is all laid out in your notes or plot sketches, you have all the information you could ever want, but you still can't seem to start the thing? The first paragraph, not to mention the first page or three, is crucial because you know that's your opportunity to catch your reader's attention. You hope you nail it … but.....you could botch the whole thing and turn your reader off forever.

This expectation of making a good first impression can weigh a writer down, literately block them from starting because nothing sounds and feels right when you type or write it out, and then the anxiety sets in that convinces you're a hopeless mess-up, which makes it worse. Nothing seems to 'gel' together, so I will metaphorically call his icky place the dark paralysing world of “Writer's Anti-Gel”.

When starting the first chapter, of “Faust: My Soul Be Damned for the World, Vol.1”, guess who literally sat for two days a good half of the third staring at a blank screen coaxing the creative muse to appear with loads of coffee and chocolate until FINALLY the first introductory paragraphs 'gelled' into place. (And no, I wasn't goofing on the Internet, I wasn't connected at the time. I was off it several years in fact!)

Writers will tell you just hammer something out and then edit the crud out of it later: you won't get anywhere unless you force yourself to write and get a first draft together, because if you wait for inspiration, it'll take half a lifetime before you get a book together.

Yes, there is truth to that, I do hammer things out be it good or bad once I get into the actual draft and there's something to build on and then edit, but the first paragraphs, (and okay, I'll admit, a good portion of my texts), I like to make sure it sounds perfect in my head and I'll keep editing it as I write instead of just writing away without polishing as I go, so of course, I get stuck in the parallel non-creative gloopy gloopity glop slow-paced dimension that is “Writer's Anti-Gel” until it finally gels in the right direction.

The thing is, the last paragraphs and closing segments are just as tricky in their own way as the first. “Faust” is a historical academic epic so to speak, so naturally the end of the chapter has its own unique requirements. I needed a satisfying conclusion that gels in a way so it's not rambling but not abrupt either, something that makes a lasting impression regarding the vast amount of information just presented and that rounds the whole thing off just nicely in a page, preferably less, maybe with a memorable kick.

Well, when I was nearing the end of that first chapter I got stuck in the non-gelling “anti-gel” universe again. When you're writing about how a real historical individual may have sold his soul to the devil for knowledge, power and worldly glory, and you want to round off this gruesome history 'quite nicely' with a 'memorable kick', that's a tall order!

Of course, I knew I was going to be staring at the screen for days on end with this doozie, but rather than succumbing to staring and wasting time moaning in the Realm of Anti-Gel, or hammering out just anything until it was squished and prodded into place and still feeling like a product that was way below par even for a draft, I did what any desperate writer does ….

I prayed. 

Yes, seriously.

No, I'm not kidding.

I thought of my Guardian Angel, who often gets ignored even though I know he's there.

We never think of our invisible guardians enough or ask their assistance, even with our daily tasks. They don't just guard us from temptation and danger, they like us to involve them in our lives. They take a keen interest in everything we do and they like helping us in our work, (as long as it's not sinful of course!)

  So, I reached out to my neglected princely friend and told him what was needed to finish my first chapter and asked if he could enlighten me with an idea, maybe let me know how to polish it off ....

Then...'It' happened.

No sooner was the request made when the words started to interiorly flow so quickly like a bubbling

cascade it was like I was taking speed dictation. I was literally yelling in my head 'Not so fast! Not so fast!', my fingers tapping away trying to capture that miraculous flow as the text rolled out right to the very end...then, stopped.

This was so different from the 'running flash' of inspiration to where you don't want to stop writing because you're on a roll. I've had that too quite a few times, but when those 'running flashes' happen, it still feel like it's you and your ideas. This wasn't exactly like that. It was really was as if “someone else” was interiorly dropping the words and I was doing my best to keep up with their pace. Prayer answered!

So a word to the struggling writer: try giving prayer a chance, and while you're at it, don't forget you have an angel at your side.

Here it is, the final paragraph to the first chapter of “Faust: My Soul be Damned for the World Volume I”, which I cannot take credit for. I give it fully to my Guardian Angel:

“Faustus, who embraced evil and shunned righteousness, became the foremost symbol of the misuse of free will, that sublime gift from God with its inherent opportunity to choose virtue and reject iniquity. “What shall a man gain if he has the whole world and lose his soul,” (Matt. 16: v. 26) - but for a notorious name, the ethereal shadow of a career, and a brief life of fleeting pleasure with no true peace? This was the blackest and most captivating tragedy of all, few could have remained indifferent to the growing intrigue of this individual who apparently shook hands with the devil and freely chose to descend to the molten, sulphuric chasm of Hell for all eternity for so little in exchange. It is a drama that continues to fascinate today as powerfully as when Faustus first disseminated his infamous card in the Heidelberg locale to the scandal of his generation. In fine, a life of good or evil, the hope of Heaven or the despair of Hell, Faustus stands as a reminder that the choice between these two absolutes also falls to us.” 


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If you find yourself stuck in a situation, no matter what it is -- don't forget to pray.

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TABLE  OF CONTENTS -  See other posts on "Books, Babble and Blarney"

Sorrows of the Mother

(Post originally published November 13, 2013)

 

St. Bridget of Sweden was graced with numerous visitations from heaven, many times she saw the Blessed Virgin. Many revelations and devotions were given to her, one of the simplest and most beautiful is the devotion to the Seven Sorrows of our Blessed Mother. The Mother of God declared she would grant seven graces to the souls who honour her every day by saying seven Hail Mary’s and meditating on her tears and dolors.

The Seven Graces:

1) I will grant peace to their families.
2) They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries.
3) I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.
4) I will give them as much as they ask for, as long as it doe not oppose the Adorable Will of my Divine Son, or the sanctification of their souls.
5) I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy. I will protect them at every instant of their lives.
6) I will visibly help them at the moment of their death, they will see the face of their Mother.
7) I have obtained this grace from my Divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and sorrows, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

The Seven Sorrows:

1) The prophecy of Simeon.
2) The flight into Egypt.
3) The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple.
4) The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross.
5) The Crucifixion.
6) The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross.
7) The burial of Jesus.

(It would also be a pious practise to say an eighth Hail Mary in honour of her unknown sorrows.)

Why do Catholics honour Mary so much? The key word is “honour”, not “worship”~ worship is given to God alone. As the angel declared: “Hail full of grace”. She was granted all possible graces that could be granted to a human being in order to become the sinless Mother of God. She who was sinless was also willing to suffer so much for our salvation in union with her Divine Son.  As we read in the Gospel of Luke, once she had accepted to become the Mother of God, God had granted her the grace that from henceforth everyone throughout the ages would called her blessed.  "Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." (Luke 1:48) We have the right and the privilege to invoke her as our Heavenly Mother, to honour her and ask for her help. We honour Mary as the Mother of Sorrows and our powerful intercessor before the Throne of God.

You may read more on the Glories of Mary and the graces given to her in:

   

The Glories of Mary, by St. Alphonsus de Liguori 

An Eye-Opening Prayer by a Fifteen Year Old

(Post originally published February 25, 2012)

Despite what my blog is called, I'm not offering “blarney” today.

This poetic prayer was allegedly composed by a fifteen year old student who wished to remain anonymous, which is a shame as they certainly deserve credit for this poignant critique of how the once-honoured values of our country have been overturned for one nation under a licentious police state with liberty and justice for some as displayed in the school system these days. If the children of the nation are our future, God help us!

"Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule,
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights,
And any time my head I bow,
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offence; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise,
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by State.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but first the Bible,
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the unwed daddy our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgements' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth control,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles,
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No Word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns, the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make,
Should I be shot, my soul please take!
     Amen."

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