Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on July 16th. In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob discusses the devotion of the Brown Scapular. Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock and gave him the brown scapular. She promised that no one who wore it would suffer eternal fire. Fr. Rob discusses how one can live a life similar to a Carmelite and wear the brown scapular. As a child, Fr. Rob didn't understand the devotion to the Carmelites. Carmelites practice fasts and penances.

Fr. Rob encourages the laity who wear the brown scapular to adapt some of the Carmelite devotions to their lives. One could read scripture and meditate, fast from quality of food or technology time. With these practice and wearing the brown scapular, one unites their work and prayer with the sanctifying graces God offers. Carmelites engage in grueling fasts. But lay people have different circumstances that make such fasts difficult. Use discernment and prudence to create devotional practices.

Listen to the previous episode to learn about Non-exclusive dating as the first stage each Catholic should start relationships in. This stage does not suggest having multiple committed romantic relationships at the same time. Rather, non-exclusive dating is simply getting to know others. And discerning if that person would make a good boyfriend or girlfriend. This period should last no more than three months, should involve little to no physical embraces, and must be communicated to the other people involved.

Rachel Canto of Pretty Good Catholic suggests to be open with other people that you aren’t ready to commit to being in an exclusive relationship yet, but after a period of time would be open to entering one with the other person. To learn more about this concept, purchase the book Pretty Good Catholic: How to Find, Date, and Marry Someone Who Shares Your Faith. Also find Rachel on her Instagram: @rachelhoovercanto

Order your copy of Why Christians Can Wear Pants here. Fr. Conrad’s book about the Papacy, inspired by Habemus Papam podcast.

Listen to the Habemus Papam Podcast here.

To learn more about penance and listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.