The Miraculous Medal  of the Immaculate Conception

The Triumph of the Immaculate Conception

In 1830, Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré in the Rue du Bac Chapel and revealed herself as the "Mediatrix of all Graces." Dazzling rays emanated from the rings adorning the fingers of the Blessed Virgin, enveloping her entire figure in bright light. The Most Holy Virgin explained to St. Catherine:

"These rays are the graces that I pour out on those who ask me."

This vision revealed Mary’s mercy towards everyone who pleads for her intercession and her immense joy in obtaining graces for those who ask. However, some of the gems did not shine. St. Catherine wondered why, and the Blessed Virgin explained:

"The gems that do not shine symbolize those graces that people fail to ask of me."

An elongated, round frame then formed around the apparition of the Blessed Virgin. Within this frame, the following words, written in golden letters, were visible:

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"

Then, St. Catherine heard a clear voice instructing her:

"Let a medal be struck according to this model. All who wear it will receive great graces. The graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence around their necks."

At that moment, the image seemed to turn around, revealing the back of the medal. On the reverse side, St. Catherine saw the letter “M” surmounted by a cross resting on a crossbar. Below the “M” were the Sacred Heart of Jesus, surrounded by a crown of thorns, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, pierced by a sword [1].

After a two-year review, the Archbishop of Paris gave permission for the medal to be replicated. From that moment, a shower of grace began to spread throughout the world. The medal was sought after everywhere, and its miraculous nature was demonstrated by countless miracles, conversions, and healings. This triumph of the Mother of God led to the medal being universally referred to as the “Miraculous Medal.”

Even today, the stream of grace has not ceased but continues to grow stronger.

[1] Die Heilige Katharina Labouré und die Wunderbare Medaille der Unbefleckten by Dr. Maria Cuylen, Imprimatur: Ordinariat Freiburg/Schweiz, November 29, 1952, pp. 31–32.

Prayer to the Immaculate Conception

Most Blessed Virgin, I hereby profess my belief in thy holy and Immaculate Conception. O most pure Virgin Mary, through thy Immaculate Conception and glorious predestination as the Mother of God, attain for me from thy beloved Son:

• True humility,

• Pure love,

• True obedience,

• A complete and undivided devotion to God.

Obtain through thy intercession the grace for me to discern and follow the will of God in all circumstances. Only then can I truly honor God and praise His holy name.

But thou, my Most Gracious Mother, obtain for me this heavenly gift now and for all eternity! Therefore, we shall praise and thank thee for all eternity. Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!