The Miraculous Medal: History, Message, Power, and Prayers

"Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it with confidence will receive great graces."
—The Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Labouré (November 27, 1830)

The Miraculous Medal is a medal whose design (front and back) and inscription were entirely revealed by Heaven through the Virgin Mary. In 1830, at the Chapel of Rue du Bac in Paris, the Holy Virgin appeared to a young novice of the Daughters of Charity, later known as St. Catherine Labouré. Discover the history and meaning of the Miraculous Medal, why to wear it, and the miracles and healings attributed to it.

History of the Miraculous Medal at Rue du Bac

The Virgin Reveals the Medal

On November 27, 1830, the Holy Virgin appeared to Catherine for the second time in the chapel. Catherine saw two living scenes fade into one another:

First scene: The Virgin stood on a globe, crushing a serpent. She held a small golden globe topped with a cross, lifting it toward heaven. Catherine heard: "This ball represents the entire world, France, and every person individually."

Second scene: The Virgin opened her hands, and rays of dazzling light streamed from jeweled rings on her fingers. A voice explained: "These rays symbolize the graces I pour on those who ask for them."

An oval frame formed around the apparition, and golden letters encircled it:

"O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you."

The Virgin then instructed:

"Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it with confidence will receive great graces."

The vision reversed, revealing the medal’s back:

A cross surmounting the letter M (for Mary)

Two hearts below: Jesus’ crowned with thorns, Mary’s pierced by a sword.

The Medal Spreads Rapidly

Catherine immediately confided in her confessor, Father Aladel, who dismissed her claims as "imagination." In 1831, Catherine was sent to Enghien Hospice to care for the elderly but continued hearing an inner voice urging the medal’s creation. After she persisted, Father Aladel approached the bishop, who enthusiastically approved. The first medals were struck in 1832.

When a cholera epidemic killed 20,000 in Paris, the Sisters distributed the medal. Immediately, healings, conversions, and protections occurred. Parisians dubbed it the "Miraculous Medal."

For a detailed history of the Miraculous Medal, click here.

The Miraculous Medal and Its Message

The Church explains the symbols:

The inscription: "O Mary conceived without sin..." affirms the Immaculate Conception (dogma proclaimed in 1854). It invites trust in Mary’s intercession.

Virgin crushing the serpent: Mary battles evil on Earth and defeats Satan.

  • Rays from her hands: Symbolize graces poured on those who ask. The Virgin noted:

  • "The jewels without rays are graces people forget to request."

  • Letter M and cross: The intertwined M and cross signify Christ’s inseparable bond with His Mother.

    • Two hearts:

    • Jesus’ heart: Crowned with thorns.

    • Mary’s heart: Pierced by a sword (fulfilling Simeon’s prophecy).

  • Twelve stars: Represent the 12 Apostles and the Church.

The Power of the Miraculous Medal

During the 1832 cholera epidemic, many wearing the medal healed inexplicably, and others avoided infection. Nuns caring for the sick remained healthy. The cause-effect link was undeniable. A pamphlet by Father Aladel (August 1834) revealing the medal’s origin sold 10,000 copies in two months, with later editions selling faster.The Virgin’s Promises to Wearers"Those who wear it will receive great graces.""Graces will overflow for those who wear it with confidence." Prayers and Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Find all prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and the powerful novena to the Miraculous Medal on Hozana. Pray it to prepare for the annual feast (November 27) or anytime to request graces, protection, healing, or miracles

Association Hozana - 8 rue du Palais de Justice, 69005 Lyon

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