Typical of the original purpose of the scapulars as a modified habit for extern members of the ancient monastic and mendicant Orders is the scapular of the Third Order of Saint Francis. It is brown, grey, or black in colour according to the branch of the Franciscan family to which it pertains and generally has upon one of the woollen segments the words: "My God and my All" and upon the other the words: "Third Order of Saint Francis". It is especially necessary that persons who desire to share in the indulgences and privileges of the third orders shall wear the scapulars constantly. However, the Congregation of Indulgences expressly declared on 30 April 1885 that the wearing of the scapulars of smaller form and of the same size as those of the confraternities entitled one to gain the indulgences of the third order, a provision that was confirmed by Pope Leo XIII three years later.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
