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General articles Specific Scapulars |
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This Scapular of the Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic devotional scapular that can be traced back to Saint Margaret Marie Alacoque who herself made and distributed badges similar to it. They were then made of a small piece of white woollen cloth, with a red image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was popular as a protection during the plague of Marseilles and also during the persecutions of the Catholics during the French Revolution.
In 1872, Blessed Pope Pius IX granted an indulgence for the wearing this badge. An actual scapular of the Sacred Heart was first introduced in France in 1876 when was approved by the Congregation of Rites in 1900. One side of the scapular bears the representation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, while the other bears that of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Mother of Mercy. In July 1900 Pope Leo XIII granted many indulgences for the pious wearing of this scapular.