Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Description

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal refers to a Marian devotion that centers on a specific apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint Catherine Labouré, a novice of the Daughters of Charity, in 1830. This apparition occurred in the convent chapel in Paris, France.

In the evening of November 27, 1830, Saint Catherine Labouré experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary in the chapel. Mary appeared standing on a globe, with her hands extended and radiant with light. During the vision, Catherine heard the Virgin Mary say:

“Come to the foot of the altar. There graces will be shed upon all, great and small, who ask for them.”

Mary then asked Catherine to have a medal struck with the image she saw in the vision. The medal would become known as the Miraculous Medal because of the many reported miracles and graces associated with it.

The front of the Miraculous Medal shows the Virgin Mary standing on a globe, with her arms outstretched, radiating light. The inscription around the edge reads: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” This is a reference to the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, which teaches that Mary was conceived without original sin.

On the back of the medal, there is a letter “M” (for Mary) at the base of a cross, with twelve stars surrounding it. These stars represent the twelve apostles or, more generally, the twelve tribes of Israel. Below the “M” are two hearts—one surrounded by thorns (representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus) and one pierced by a sword (representing the Immaculate Heart of Mary).

The Miraculous Medal became known for the many reported miracles and blessings that those who wore it experienced. Since its creation, millions of these medals have been distributed worldwide, and many people continue to wear them as a sign of devotion to the Virgin Mary and as a reminder of her intercessory power.

Saint Catherine Labouré, who received the vision, was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1947. The feast day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is celebrated on November 27, the anniversary of the first apparition.

The Miraculous Medal has become one of the most popular and widely recognized Marian symbols, embodying Mary’s role as a powerful intercessor and protector for all who seek her help.