The Scapular Prefigured

The Scapular Prefigured

Elias proved which was the true God when fire came from heaven to consume his sacrifice. Then a small foot-shaped cloud rose out of the sea next to Mount Carmel, which covered the land and brought long-awaited rain to the newly converted land of Palestine. This symbolized the PUre Virgin who would come to crush Satan under her heel. In the same way, the Scapular given to the Carmelites, originally called "Hermits of St. Mary of Mount Carmel", again symbolizes Mary covering the whole earth as a cloud, showering down blessings in abundance and overcoming Satan by coming to the aid of Her children.

When Elias was taken up into heaven, he let fall his mantle, which performed many miracles for his followers. This prefigured Mary, the true founder of the Carmelite order, giving us Her mantle of salvation through the Scapular.