During a tumultuous time in the Order’s history, Our Lady appeared to the Carmelite General, St. Simon Stock, in the year 1251 A.D., holding out to him the brown monastic apron the Carmelites wore.  As the most insignificant part of the habit, this garment was draped over the front and back of the Carmelite as a protection for the tunic underneath.  Mother Mary chose this garment as a sign of her protection and maternal care for the Order, saying, “This is a privilege for you and the Order; whoever dies wearing this Scapular will not suffer eternal fire.”  Now, as the most significant part of “Our Lady’s Habit”, the Brown Scapular has been extended for centuries by the Church to the laity in its smaller form as a sacramental.