The Miraculous Medal
In November 1830, Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure at the Rue de Bac Chapel in Paris, France. Our Blessed Mother was standing on a globe, with dazzling rays of light streaming from her outstretched hands. Framing the apparition was an inscription: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” When Mary spoke to St. Catherine, she said,
“Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Those who repeat this prayer with devotion will be, in a special manner, under the protection of the Mother of God. Graces will be abundantly bestowed upon those who have confidence.”
The medal earned the name “Miraculous” due to the tremendous graces received by the faithful after its distribution. The medal itself is a catechism; on one side it displays a Cross surmounted by a M, with the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart side-by-side and encircled by twelve stars, and the other side Our Lady’s outstretched arms with rays of light representing graces poured out over the world on which she is standing, while crushing the serpent under her feet.
The medal calls to mind Mary as the Immaculate Conception, identifies her as the New Eve and the woman of the Book of Revelation chapter 12, and emphasizes her participation in the redemption of mankind through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of her Son, Jesus Christ. The Miraculous Medal can blessed by any priest and worn by anyone who wishes to honor and love the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, there is also the opportunity to celebrate a blessing and investiture of the Miraculous Medal by a priest.