Carmelites are devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and revere her as Mother, Sister, Patron and Queen.  In fact, the first Carmelites dedicated their chapel to Mary and became officially known as the "Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.”  From them has sprung the entire Carmelite family of friars, priests, sisters, nuns, hermits, Third Order Carmelites and confraternities. The Brown Scapular is a sign of devotion and consecration to Our Lady, a commitment to her life of holiness in obedience to the will of God. Being clothed in Mary’s Brown Scapular brings her protection, shows trust in her powerful intercession and unites the wearer with Mary in allegiance to her Son, Jesus Christ.  It is a means of grace assuring us of her constant love, prayers, and eternal support.