The Miraculous Medal, also known as the Medal of Our Lady of Graces, is a powerful symbol of devotion in the Roman Catholic Church. Its origins can be traced back to the extraordinary visions of Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830, which led to the creation of this sacramental object that has touched the lives of millions around the world.
The Apparitions of Our Lady
The story of the Miraculous Medal begins on the night of July 18, 1830, in Paris, France. Sister Catherine Labouré, a novice in the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, was awakened by a child’s voice calling her to the chapel.
There, she experienced what she would later describe as “the sweetest moment of my life” – a heart-to-heart conversation with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
However, it was the second apparition, occurring on November 27, 1830, that would lead to the creation of the Miraculous Medal.
During this vision, Sister Catherine saw the Virgin Mary standing on a globe, with dazzling rays of light streaming from her outstretched hands. Surrounding this image was an inscription: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
The Design of the Medal
As instructed by the Virgin Mary, Sister Catherine had a medal struck based on her vision. The medal’s design, created by goldsmith Adrien Vachette, features:
Front of the Medal
The front of the Miraculous Medal depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary in a standing position. Her appearance is described as radiant and beautiful, reminiscent of a sunrise. Several key elements make up this side of the medal:
- Mary stands atop a globe, representing the earth.
- Under her feet, she crushes a serpent, symbolizing her triumph over evil.
- From her hands, brilliant rays of light stream downward. These rays symbolize the graces Mary bestows upon those who ask for them.
- Surrounding the image is an oval frame bearing the words of the prayer revealed in the vision: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” This prayer was originally in French.
Reverse of the Medal
The back of the Miraculous Medal is equally rich in symbolism:
- A cross surmounts a horizontal bar, which itself stands atop a large, bold letter ‘M’. This symbolizes Mary’s close association with the mission of Jesus and her role in salvation.
- Encircling this central design are twelve stars, reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse in the Book of Revelation.
- Below the ‘M’ are two hearts side by side. The left heart, representing Jesus, is encircled by a crown of thorns. The right heart, symbolizing Mary, is pierced by a sword, recalling Simeon’s prophecy at the presentation of Jesus in the temple.
- Both hearts emit flames from the top, representing the burning love Jesus and Mary have for humanity.
The Miraculous Medal, like other religious objects such as crucifixes, scapulars, or rosaries, can be blessed by a priest. When used with faith, these blessed objects are considered sacramentals in the Catholic Church, helping to dispose the faithful to receive God’s grace.
The Spread and Impact
The first medals were produced in 1832 and distributed in Paris. The blessings associated with the medal were immediately apparent, leading to its rapid spread throughout France and beyond. By the time of Saint Catherine’s death in 1876, over a billion medals had been made.
The Miraculous Medal quickly became known for the graces it brought to those who wore it with faith. Mary’s promise, “Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck,” seemed to be fulfilled in countless ways.
Influence on Papal Symbolism
The Miraculous Medal’s impact extends beyond personal devotion, reaching even to the highest levels of the Catholic Church.
In a notable example, Pope John Paul II incorporated elements inspired by the Miraculous Medal into his papal coat of arms. His chosen symbol, known as the Marian Cross, featured a simple cross with the letter ‘M’ positioned beneath the right arm. This design echoes the reverse side of the Miraculous Medal, where the ‘M’ stands prominently below the cross.
The Pope’s adaptation of this imagery carried deep symbolism. The ‘M’ in this context represented the Virgin Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross during Christ’s crucifixion. By including this element in his official papal emblem, John Paul II not only paid homage to the Miraculous Medal but also emphasized the important role of Mary in his personal faith and his pontificate.
The Miraculous Medal Today
Today, the Miraculous Medal continues to be a source of comfort, protection, and grace for many believers. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Rue du Bac, Paris, where Saint Catherine experienced her visions, remains a popular pilgrimage site. It also houses the incorrupt bodies of Saint Catherine Labouré and Saint Louise de Marillac, co-founder of the Daughters of Charity.
The influence of the Miraculous Medal extends beyond personal devotion. Pope John Paul II incorporated a variation of the medal’s reverse image into his papal coat of arms, demonstrating its enduring significance in the Catholic Church.
As a sacramental of the Roman Catholic Church, the Miraculous Medal is believed to prepare the faithful to receive grace and dispose them to cooperate with it. For nearly two centuries, it has served as a tangible reminder of the Virgin Mary’s love and intercession, bringing hope and divine assistance to those who wear it with faith.