The Story of the Miraculous Medal

        

 

    The medal we call "miraculous" came to us from heaven.Everything about the medal was carefully made just as Mary showed it to SaintCatherine over 150 years ago.

 

     It happened in Paris, France. The place was a conventin the center of the busy city. There a young girl saw and talked with ourBlessed Mother. Seated in a chair near the altar, Mary told the young novice,Catherine Laboure, that she had been chosen for a special mission.

 

     A few months later, November 27, 1830, SaintCatherine saw our Lady standing on a globe, with dazzling rays of lightstreaming from her outstretched hands. Surrounding the image were the words: "OMary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you."

 

     Then the vision turned and showed the design of thereverse side of the medal. Twelve stars encircled a large "M" from which arosea cross. Beneath the "M" were the hearts of Jesus and Mary. "Have a medalstruck according to this model," our Lady told Saint Catherine. Mary promisedgreat graces to all who wore the medal and prayed with confidence.

 

     Within a short time the medals were made anddistribution began. Almost immediately people experienced the great gracespromised them while they wore the medal which soon would be called"miraculous." The Miraculous Medal is not a "good-luck charm"; rather, it is agreat testimony to faith and the power of trusting prayer. Its greatestmiracles are those of patience, forgiveness, repentance, and faith.