The Scapular points to an effective synthesis of Marian spirituality

The sign of the Scapular points to an effective synthesis of Marian spirituality, which nourishes the devotion of believers and makes them sensitive to the Virgin Mother's loving presence in their lives. The Scapular is essentially a "habit." Those who receive it are associated more or less closely with the Order of Carmel and dedicate themselves to the service of Our Lady for the good of the whole Church. …

Two truths are evoked by the sign of the Scapular: on the one hand, the constant protection of the Blessed Virgin, not only on life's journey, but also at the moment of passing into the fullness of eternal glory; on the other, the awareness that devotion to her cannot be limited to prayers and tributes in her honor on certain occasions, but must become a "habit," that is, a permanent orientation of one's own Christian conduct, woven of prayer and interior life, through frequent reception of the sacraments and the concrete practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

In this way the Scapular becomes a sign of the "covenant" and reciprocal communion between Mary and the faithful. Indeed, it concretely translates the gift of his Mother, which Jesus gave on the Cross to John and, through him, to all of us.

Saint John Paul II

Excerpts from his message to the Carmelite family on March 25, 2001