The Miraculous Medal
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal • Feast Day: November 27
In 1830, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a young French nun named Catherine Labouré and revealed the design for what would become known as the Miraculous Medal. Mary promised that all who wear it with confidence will receive great graces.
The medal spread rapidly throughout the world, and so many miracles were reported that it became known as the "Miraculous Medal." Millions of Catholics wear it today as a sign of their devotion to Mary and trust in her intercession.
Prayer of the Miraculous Medal
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee.
This simple prayer, inscribed on the medal itself, is the heart of this devotion. Mary asked that it be prayed with confidence.
Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward you.
Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son.
O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever.
Amen.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)
The Story of the Apparitions
In 1830, Catherine Labouré was a young novice with the Daughters of Charity in Paris. On the night of July 18-19, she was awakened by a shining child who led her to the chapel, where the Blessed Virgin Mary was waiting for her.
Mary sat in a chair and spoke with Catherine for two hours, warning of troubles to come for France and the world, but promising her protection.
On November 27, 1830, Mary appeared again during evening meditation. She showed Catherine the design for a medal:
- Front: Mary standing on a globe, crushing a serpent, with rays of light streaming from her hands
- Around the image: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee"
- Back: The letter M with a cross above it, and the hearts of Jesus and Mary below
Mary said: "Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces."
Symbolism of the Medal
- Mary standing on the globe: She is Queen of heaven and earth
- Crushing the serpent: Victory over Satan (Genesis 3:15)
- Rays of light: Graces flowing from Mary's hands to those who ask
- Twelve stars: The twelve apostles and the vision from Revelation 12
- The M and Cross: Mary at the foot of the Cross
- Two hearts: The Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary
How to Use the Miraculous Medal
- Have it blessed by a priest
- Wear it with faith and confidence in Mary's intercession
- Pray the medal prayer often: "O Mary, conceived without sin..."
- Live a life worthy of Mary's protection
- Share it with others as a means of evangelization
The medal is not a magic charm. Its power comes from the faith of the wearer and Mary's intercession before God.