The Miraculous Medal: A Gift of Grace from Our Lady
Wear the Promises of the Immaculate Conception — A Sacramental of Protection, Peace, and Motherly Intercession
“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided…” — The Memorare
Originating from the tender apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830, the Miraculous Medal is not merely a piece of jewelry. It is a sacramental—a sacred sign instituted by the Church that disposes the soul to receive grace. It is Our Lady’s own design, given as a tangible pledge of her maternal care and the abundant graces flowing from the Heart of her Son.
A Revelation of Love: The Origins and Promises
In the quiet of the Chapel of the Rue du Bac in Paris, the Virgin Mary, radiant with light, entrusted this mission to a humble novice: “Have a medal struck upon this model. All who wear it with faith will receive great graces.” This is the heart of the Miraculous Medal—it is an object of promise, a physical reminder of Mary’s active, loving presence in the life of the Church and each believer.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Deciphering the Sacred Iconography
The Front: Mary, Our Victorious Mother
Every element is a rich theological statement, revealing Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation.
Mary Crushing the Serpent – She stands upon the globe, her foot resting on the head of the serpent. This powerful image fulfills the Protoevangelium (Genesis 3:15), proclaiming her as the New Eve, whose “seed” (Christ) definitively conquers evil. She is the “woman clothed with the sun” (Revelation 12:1), triumphant through her Son.
Rays of Grace from Her Hands – The luminous rays symbolize the countless spiritual and temporal graces that the Blessed Mother, as Mediatrix of All Graces, dispenses to all who ask. They are a visible sign of her generosity and intercessory power.
The Encircling Invocation – The words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,” affirm the dogma of her Immaculate Conception. They are both a declaration of her unique holiness and a simple, perfect prayer of trust and supplication.
The Reverse: The Mysteries of Redemption
The back of the medal unfolds the fruits of Mary’s “yes,” centered on the saving work of her Son.
The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary – The wounded Heart of Jesus, crowned with thorns, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, pierced by a sword, are united. They represent the inseparable love and co-suffering of Mother and Son in the work of our redemption—a love that continues to burn for humanity.
The ‘M’ and the Cross – The letter M, surmounted by a cross, signifies Mary’s intimate union with the Passion of Jesus. It reminds us that she is always at the foot of the Cross, and that true devotion to her leads us directly to her Son.
The Twelve Stars – A direct allusion to the Woman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 12:1), they symbolize both the twelve apostles—the foundation of the Church—and the fullness of God’s people. Wearing the medal unites the believer with the entire Communion of Saints.
A Companion Laden with Grace
Worn with faith and devotion, the Miraculous Medal becomes a powerful spiritual companion in the daily journey:
A Shield in Temptation – Many saints and faithful have attested to its protective power against evil and spiritual danger, a gentle reminder of Our Lady’s mantle of protection.
A Source of Peace and Conversion – Countless “miracles” attributed to the medal are miracles of the heart: the return of a loved one to the Faith, healing of relationships, or the gift of profound interior peace amidst trial.
A Catalyst for Prayer – Feeling its weight or catching its gleam can be a momentary call to recollection, a silent “Hail Mary,” or a renewal of trust in the midst of a busy day.
A Silent Missionary – Its distinctive design often sparks gentle inquiry, opening doors to share the beauty of the Catholic faith and the story of Our Lady’s love.
Crafted for Devotion and Durability
Sacramental Details
Material: Gold-plated or Silver-plated metal with enamel inlay — crafted for lasting beauty to match the enduring nature of its spiritual promises.
Size: 5.2cm × 6.3cm (approx. 2” x 2.5”) — a substantial and noticeable sacramental, worthy of its purpose as a daily reminder of heavenly care.
Weight: 31g — a comforting, tangible presence when held or worn, signifying the substance of our faith.
Design: Faithfully reproduced according to the original model revealed to St. Catherine Labouré.
A Timeless Gift of Faith
The Miraculous Medal is a cherished gift for life’s most sacred moments, carrying a mother’s blessing:
For Baptism or First Holy Communion – Welcoming a child into the life of grace under Mary’s special protection.
For Confirmation – A gift for a young soldier of Christ, arming them with a sacramental of heavenly aid.
For a Birthday or Feast Day – A meaningful alternative to ordinary jewelry, celebrating a spiritual birthday.
For Someone in Need of Healing or Hope – A tangible sign of the Church’s prayers and Our Lady’s unfailing intercession.
A Prayer with 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 motherly affection for us
and a constant reminder of our filial duties toward you.
While wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection
and preserved in the grace of your Son.
Amen.
An Invitation to Trust
We invite you to welcome this sacramental into your life. May it be a constant, gentle reminder that you are not alone—that a Mother in Heaven watches over you, intercedes for you, and desires to shower you with the graces won by her Son, Jesus Christ. Carry her promise close to your heart.
“All who wear it with faith will receive great graces.”
— The Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Labouré
May Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal wrap you in her mantle of love.
