Ten years after the manifestation of the Miraculous Medal to Sister Catherine Laboure in 1830, the Blessed Mother entrusted the Green Scapular of the Immaculate Heart to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, who also was  a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

On Jan. 28, 1840, in Paris, France, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Sister Justine. This began a series of visits which culminated in a special gift of Mary: The Green Scapular.

Shortly after Sister Justine had received the habit of the Daughters of Charity and had been sent to serve the poor, she received an apparition of the Blessed Virgin. Mary held in her right hand her heart surrounded by flames, and in her left, a type of scapular. This scapular consisted of a single small piece of green cloth suspended from a cord of the same colour. On one side of the piece of cloth was a picture of the Blessed Virgin as she had shown herself in the apparitions. On the other was a heart all inflamed with rays more brilliant than the sun and clearer than crystal.

Our Lady's heart, pierced with a sword, was surrounded by an oval inscription surmounted by a cross. The inscription read, "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death." At the same time, an interior voice revealed to her the meaning of the vision. This new scapular and the prayers of those who used it would be a means that God would use to bring Himself those who had no faith and to reconcile those who had strayed from their faith. The green scapular was distributed, and God granted wonderful conversions and some bodily cures.

The manner of using the Scapular was indicated by the Blessed Virgin. Since it is not the badge of a confraternity but simply a double image attached to a single piece of cloth and suspended from a cord, investiture is not required. It must be blessed by a priest and may be worn by one for whom it is intended. It may also simply be placed in the clothing, on the bed, or simply in the room.

The only prayer is the inscription surrounding the heart on the reverse of the Scapular: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death."  This prayer should be prayed daily by the one giving the scapular, and preferably by the person receiving it. ..Although wonderful graces are obtained, they are proportionate to the confidence with which it is given.

The Green Scapular was twice approved by Pope Pius IX, in 1863, and again in 1870, when he said: "Write to these good Sisters that I authorize them to make and distribute it."

The Green Scapular is a life line for conversion.

One may offer the Scapular to any individual as a "token of my friendship and love,"  and as a promise to say the prayer on the Scapular daily for that person, that God make His Will known in their life.

 The Scapular has no power. It is not a "good luck charm."

The faith with which it is given is the powerful tool of conversion.

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