the validity of this document since 1613, but didn't forbid the Carmelites "to preach that the Christian people may piously believe in the help which the souls of brothers and members, who have departed this life in charity, have worn in life the scapular, have ever observed chastity, have recited the Little Hours [of the Blessed Virgin], or, if they cannot read, have observed the fast days of the Church, and have abstained from flesh meat on Wednesdays and Saturdays [...], may derive after death — especially on Saturdays, the day consecrated by the Church to the Blessed Virgin [...]." These elements are reflected in older versions of the requirements of enrollment in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular. At times the scapular has been criticized as an easy way to heaven, a manner of superstition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, however, states that sacramentals such as the Brown Scapular "do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it." Today, the Carmelite Orders, while encouraging Marian devotions, explicitly state in their official literature that they do not promulgate the Sabbatine privilege, and that they are at one with official church teaching on the matter. Notes and references External links Brown Scapular FAQs 36 Common questions and answers about the Brown Scapular. Miracles of the Brown Scapular An Audiobook on miracles of the brown scapular compiled from numerous sources. Brown Scapular "A Silent Devotion" 2008 article via Zenit news service by Fr. Kieran Kavenaugh, OCD discusses devotion to the Brown Scapular, the existence of historical problems, and pastoral practice Catechesis and Ritual for the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel - Booklet of catechetical information and the current form of the ceremony of enrollment in the Brown Scapular, approved by the North American Provincials of the Carmelite Orders; the catechesis portion can be read online here Doctrinal Statement of the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel "Rite of Blessing of and Enrollment in the Scapular of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel" as issued and confirmed by the Congregation for Divine Worship and for the Discipline of the Sacraments, November 29, 1996 750th anniversary of the bestowal of the Scapular, With Mary the Mother of Jesus Scapular Message issued jointly by