The Miraculous Medal

“O Mary conceived without sin, 

pray for us who have recourse to Thee.”

Remember Our Lady’s Promises:

† “Those who repeat this prayer with great devotion will be in a special manner under the protection of the Mother of God.”

† “All those who wear it (the medal of the Immaculate Conception), when it is blessed, will receive great graces, especially

The First Apparition

During the night of July 19, Catherine was awakened from her sleep by a beautiful child. The child spoke, “Sister Labouré, come to the chapel. The Blessed Virgin is waiting for you.” Catherine entered the chapel, knelt down at the communion rail, and prayed. A short while later, the Blessed Virgin appeared and spoke to Catherine: “God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will have the protection of God and St. Vincent (de Paul). I will always have my eyes upon you.” Then, the Blessed Virgin departed.

The Second Apparition

On November 27, the Blessed Virgin appeared, standing upon a globe, crushing the head of a serpent with her feet. Rays of light streamed from her hands.  The rays represent, as Our Lady would later tell St. Catherine, “the graces that the Blessed Virgin obtains for those who ask them of her.” Surrounding the image of Our Lady were the words “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.”

The Blessed Virgin told Catherine, “Those who repeat this prayer with great devotion will be in a special manner under the protection of the Mother of God.” She then instructed Catherine: “Have a medal struck upon this model. All those who wear it, when it is blessed, will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.”

The Medal of the Immaculate Conception After a thorough investigation as to the authenticity of St. Catherine’s visions, the Church approved the making of The Medal of the Immaculate Conception. The first medals were distributed in 1832.

The Back of the medal

The cross symbolizes Christ; the “M” stands for Mary, who stood beneath the Cross, as her Son was crucified. The two hearts represent the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. The twelve stars recall the vision of St. John: And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Apocalypse 12:1).

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons