The Miraculous Medal

The Miraculous Medal

"Have a medal struck on this model. All who wear it will recieve great graces"
Our Lady's promise to St Catherine Labore.

The Blessed Virgin Mary made this request to St. Catherine Laboure at the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Rue du Bac, Paris, on the 27 of November, 1830.

"Have a medal struck according to this model. Those who wear it, when it is blessed, will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their necks. Graces will be abundant for those who have confidence."

In 1932 the first medals were designed and distributed. In four years there were 12 Million miraculous medals in circulation in all parts of the world. On the 8th December 1845, in Rome, Pope Pius IX proclaimed Marys Immaculate Conception an article of faith. On the 11th Feb. 1858, at Lourdes, the Virgin Mary revealed Herself to St. Bernadette and said to her "I am the Immaculate Conception." On the front of the medal Mary is standing with outstretched arms, on a globe (the world) crushing the serpents head (the devil). From he fingers come rays of light symbolic of the blessings and favours wich The Blessed Virgin wishes to bestow on us. Around the edge of the medal are the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you."

On the back of the medal the letter "M" stands for Mary, Mother and Mediatrix; the cross rises out of the "M" just as Jesus, Our Saviour, came to us from Mary; Beneath are two hearts - the Heart of her Devine Son encircled with thorns and Her own Heart pierced with the sword of sorrow. Round the edge are twelve stars recalling the vision of St. John in the 12th Chapter of the Apocalypse or Book of Revelations. The two hearts are a reminder that Jesus and Mary - are inseparable. (Thus this medal sums up Marys position in Gods plan for our eternal salvation).

It is called the "MIRACULOUS MEDAL" because it has been "the instrument for such numerous and extraordinary favours, cures, protections, and especially conversions". (Pope Pius XII at the cannonization of Catherine Laboure on the 17th July, 1947)

Wearing this medal is a sign of love and devotion to Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God and our Heavenly Mother also. Wear the medal with devotion, with faith, hope and charity, and also say mary's own prayer with confidence - "O Mary concieved without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you" I you do you can rest assured that Almighty God, through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, will perserve you from evil and give you the reward of everlasting happiness.

The feast in honor of The Miraculous Medal is celebrated on the 27th of November.