To obtain the fullest possible benefits from the Brown Scapular devotion, one must be validly invested (sometimes called “enrolled”) in the Brown Scapular by a priest, using a scapular blessed by the same or any other priest. (It used to be that only Carmelite priests could invest the faithful in the Brown Scapular, but this privilege has now been extended to all priests. Any priest, whether secular or religious, is authorized to invest the faithful in the Brown Scapular and to substitute the daily five-decade Rosary in lieu of the Little Office as the prescribed work for the Sabbatine Privilege.)
After proper enrollment in the Scapular, a person need not have subsequent scapulars blessed. Once enrolled you are enrolled until death. A Scapular Ritual for Priests, with the prayers of enrollment, is found below:
Priest – Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
Respondent – And grant us Thy salvation.
P – Lord, hear my prayer.
R – And let my cry come unto Thee.
P – The Lord be with you.
R – And with your spirit.
P – Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, sanctify by Thy power these scapulars, which for love of Thee and for love of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Thy servants will wear devoutly, so that through the intercession of the same Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and protect against the evil spirit, they persevere until death in Thy grace. Thou who liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.
The Priest does the Aspersion and Invests Person(s) While Saying:
Receive this blessed Scapular and ask the Most Holy Virgin that by Her merits, it may be worn with no stain of sin, protect you from all harm and bring you to everlasting life. Amen.
After the Investiture the Priest Continues With the Prayers:
I, by the power vested in me, admit you to participate in all the spiritual benefits obtained through the mercy of Jesus Christ by the Religious Order of Mount Carmel.
In the name of the Father†and of the Son†and of the Holy Ghost†. Amen. May God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and earth, bless you, He who has deigned to join you to the confraternity of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel; we beseech Her to crush the head of the ancient serpent so that you may enter into possession of your eternal heritage through Christ our Lord.
R – Amen.