Q. 1093.  What is the scapular, and why is it worn?  A. The scapular is a long, broad piece of woolen cloth forming a part of the religious dress of monks, priests and sisters of some religious orders.  It is worn over the shoulders and extends from the shoulders to the feet.  The small scapular made in imitation of it, and consisting of two small pieces of cloth fastened together by strings, is worn by the faithful as a promise or proof of their willingness to practice some particular devotion, indicated by the kind of scapular they wear.

Q. 1094.  How many kinds of scapulars are there in use among the faithful?  A. Among the faithful there are many kinds of scapulars in use, such as the brown scapular or scapular of Mount Carmel worn in honor of Our Lord’s passion; the white, in honor of the Holy Trinity; the blue, in honor of the Immaculate Conception; and the black, in honor of the seven dolors of the Blessed Virgin.  When these are joined together and worn as one they are called the five scapulars.  The brown scapular is best known and entitles its wearer to the greatest privileges and indulgences.

Q. 1095.  What are the seven dolors of the Blessed Virgin?  A. The seven dolors of the Blessed Virgin are the chief sorrowful events in the life of Our Blessed Lady.  They are (1) The Circumcision of Our Lord—­when she saw His blood shed for the first time; (2) her flight into Egypt—­to save the life of the Infant Jesus, when Herod sought to kill Him; (3) the three days she lost her Son in Jerusalem; (4) when she saw Him carrying the cross; (5) when she saw Him die; (6) when His dead body was taken down from the cross; (7) when it was laid in the sepulchre or tomb.

Q. 1096.  What are the seven dolor beads, and how do we say them?  A. Seven dolor beads are beads constructed with seven medals, each bearing a representation of one of the seven dolors, and seven beads between each medal and the next.  At each medal we meditate on the proper dolor and the say a Hail Mary on each of the bead following it.

Q. 1097.  What is an Agnus Dei?  A. An Agnus Dei is a small piece of beeswax stamped with the image of a lamb and cross.  It is solemnly blessed by the Pope with special prayers for those who carry it about their person in honor of Our Blessed Redeemer, whom we call the Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world.  The wax is usually covered with silk or some fine material.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH.  ON PRAYER.

Q. 1098. {303} Is there any other means of obtaining God’s grace than the Sacraments?  A. There is another means of obtaining God’s grace, and it is prayer.

Q. 1099. {304} What is prayer?  A. Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God, to adore Him, to thank Him for His benefits, to ask His forgiveness, and to beg of Him all the graces we need whether for soul or body.

Q. 1100.  How many kinds of prayer are there?  A. There are two kinds of prayer:  (1) Mental prayer, called meditation, in which we spend the time thinking of God or of one or more of the truths He has revealed, that by these thoughts we may be persuaded to lead holier lives; (2) vocal prayer, in which we express these pious thoughts in words.