Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

 

 

Saint Catherine Labouré

 

The Meaning of the Front Side of the Miraculous Medal

Mary is standing upon a globe, crushing the head of a serpent beneath her foot. She stands upon the globe, as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her feet crush the serpent to proclaim Satan and all his followers are helpless before her (Gn 3:15). The year of 1830 on the Miraculous Medal is the year the Blessed Mother gave the design of the Miraculous Medal to Saint Catherine Labouré. Mary conceived without sin supports the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

The Meaning of the Back Side of the Miraculous Medal

The twelve stars can refer to the Apostles, who represent the entire Church as it surrounds Mary. They also recall the vision of Saint John, writer of the Book of Revelation (12:1), in which “a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars.” The cross can symbolize Christ and our redemption, with the bar under the cross a sign of the earth. The “M” stands for Mary, and the interleaving of her initial and the cross shows Mary’s close involvement with Jesus and our world. In this, we see Mary’s part in our salvation and her role as mother of the Church. The two hearts represent the love of Jesus and Mary for us. (Lk 2:35).

 

Come O Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fires of your Love, send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth.
O God who instructs the hearts of the Faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.

 



Prayer to Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal



Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,
we unite ourselves to you under your 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 towards you. While wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection
and preserved in the grace of your Son. Most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior,
keep us close to you every moment of our lives
so that like you we may live and act
according to the teaching and example of your Son. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death
so that in union with you we may enjoy
the happiness of heaven forever.
Amen. O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O mother of the Word Incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer them. Amen.