Veritas et Lux

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal began in Paris, France, in 1830, with apparitions appearing to St. Catherine Labouré, a novice of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. On July 18,1830, St. Catherine experienced her first vision in the chapel of the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity. She was awakened by a child who led her to the chapel, where the Virgin Mary appeared, seated in a chair. St. Catherine knelt at Mary’s feet and spoke with her for several hours. Mary foretold future difficulties and instructed her how to act in times of trial.

On November 27, 1830, during an evening meditation, St. Catherine had a second vision of the Virgin Mary. This time, Mary appeared standing on a globe, with dazzling rays of light emanating from rings on her fingers. Around this figure, St. Catherine saw an oval frame with the words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee”. St. Catherine then saw the other side of the image, which included the letter “M” surmounted by a cross, with a bar beneath it, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus crowned with thorns and the Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced by a sword. Mary instructed St. Catherine to have a medal struck according to this vision, promising that all who wear it with faith would receive great graces.

After discussing with her confessor and careful investigation, the Archbishop of Paris, Mgr. de Quélen, gave permission to have the medal created. The medal quickly became distributed and popular, and stories of miracles and graces associated with it also spread rapidly.

A notable example of a miracle associated with the medal is the story of Alphonse Ratisbonne. Ratisbonne was a Jewish man who reluctantly wore the medal, and subsequently experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary, leading to his conversion to Catholicism.

The Miraculous Medal is rich in symbolism:

• Mary standing on the globe represents her role as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
• “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee” affirms Mary’s Immaculate Conception and her role as intercessor.
• The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary represent the love of Jesus and Mary for humanity.

Today, the Miraculous Medal remains one of the most popular sacramentals worn by Catholics all around the world. It serves as a reminder of her intercession, her Immaculate Conception, and the graces available to those who trust in her. It is a symbol of faith, devotion, and a commitment to living a Christian life.

A statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in the Philippines.

An image of St. Catherine Labouré

A Miraculous Medal