The Miraculous Medal of the Immaculate

In 1830 Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in the chapel on Rue du Bac and revealed herself as Mediatrix of all graces. From the jewel-studded rings with which the hands of the most blessed Virgin were adorned, such luminous rays emanated that the whole figure of the Mother of God was enveloped in bright light.

The most holy Virgin explained to St. Catherine:

The rays are a symbol of the graces I pour out upon those who ask me for them. Thereby she gave me to understand how merciful she is towards all who beseech her, how many graces she grants to all who ask for them, and what joy it is for her when she can give us these graces. I also saw that from some of these jewels no rays emanated. I wondered greatly at this. Then I heard the most blessed Virgin say: The jewels that send forth no rays symbolise those graces that people neglect to ask of me. [...]

Around the apparition of the most blessed Virgin an oval frame formed, on which these words were to be read in golden letters:

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

Thereupon I heard clearly and distinctly a voice that said to me:

Have a medal struck after this model. All persons who wear it will obtain great graces. Graces will be abundant for those who wear it confidently around their neck.

At that moment the image seemed to turn, and I saw the reverse of the medal. There I saw the letter M surmounted by a cross resting on a bar. Beneath the M I saw the Most Sacred Hearts of JESUS and MARY, the first surrounded by a crown of thorns, the second pierced by a sword.

(St. Catherine Labouré and the Miraculous Medal of the Immaculate by Dr. Maria Cuylen, Imprimatur: Ordinariate Freiburg/Switzerland November 29, 1952, p. 31, 32. )

After a two-year examination of all these events, the Archbishop of Paris gave permission for the medal to be struck. Thereupon a stream of grace began to spread over the whole world, for everywhere the medal was desired.

This triumph of the Mother of God was shown through countless miracles of grace, conversions and healings, so that it was soon spoken of only as the "Miraculous" or "Wonderful" Medal.

But even today the stream of graces does not cease, but grows stronger than ever.

Sign of the Cross, awaken sorrow for sins committed; then three times the invocation:

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
(Daily)

Day 1: First Apparition

Let us contemplate the immaculate Virgin as she appeared for the first time to St. Catherine Labouré. The devout novice was led by her Guardian Angel and presented to the holy Virgin. Let us consider her ineffable joy! We too will become happy like St. Catherine if we work zealously at our sanctification. We will rejoice in heavenly happiness if we renounce vain earthly pleasures.

Most Holy Virgin, I believe in Your holy and immaculate Conception and confess it. O purest Virgin Mary, through Your immaculate Conception and glorious election to be Mother of God, obtain for me from Your beloved Son true humility, pure love, faithful obedience, whole and undivided surrender to God! Obtain for me the grace to recognise and fulfill the will of God in all situations of life. For only thus can I honour God and praise His name. But You, my gentle Mother, obtain for me these divine graces for time and eternity. For this be praise and thanks to You for all eternity. Amen.

After the daily novena concluding prayer follow three Hail Marys with the addition:

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

Day 2: The Tears of Mary

Let us contemplate Mary weeping for the tribulations that will come upon the world, for the grave outrages against the Heart of JESUS, her Son, and because of the contempt of the Cross and the persecution of her beloved children on earth. Let us trust in the compassionate motherly heart of Mary, and we will also share in the fruit of her tears!
Most Holy Virgin ...

Day 3: Mary, Our Protection

Let us contemplate our immaculate Mother as she speaks in her apparition to Sister Catherine:

I Myself will be with you. I have always watched over you. All will be thought lost; but have confidence! You will experience My visitation and the protection of GOD.

Be for me too, O immaculate Virgin, the shield and help in all needs!
Most Holy Virgin ...

Day 4: Second Apparition

When Sister Catherine was praying on November 27, 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared to her in radiant beauty, standing on the globe, crushing the head of the infernal serpent. In this apparition we see her desire to protect us at all times from the infernal enemy and adversary. Let us call upon the immaculate Mother with confidence and love!
Most Holy Virgin ...

Day 5: The Hands of Mary

Let us today contemplate how luminous rays emanate from the hands of Mary. She said:

The rays are a symbol of the graces I pour out upon those who ask me for them.

Let us not miss such great graces! Let us plead earnestly, humbly and persistently, and Mary, the immaculate Virgin, will obtain them for us!
Most Holy Virgin ...

Day 6: Third Apparition

Let us contemplate Mary as she appears to Catherine in radiant splendour, surrounded by twelve stars and smiling full of goodness. She gives the order to have a medal struck and promises many graces to all who wear it with love and devotion. Let us wear the Miraculous Medal (sign and image of Mary) with full confidence, and the holy Virgin will protect us like a shield in all dangers of our life.
Most Holy Virgin ...

Day 7: Mary, Advocate and Refuge

O wonderful Virgin, exalted Queen, Lady without stain, be my advocate, my refuge, my stronghold on this earth, my fortress, my protection in life and death! You are the joy of my heart and my glory in heaven! Stand by me in trial and temptation and let me safely reach Jesus, Your divine Son.
Most Holy Virgin ...

Day 8: Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces

O immaculate Virgin, make the luminous rays that emanate from Your virginal hands illuminate my mind, that I may better recognise the good, and enliven my heart in faith, hope and love.
Most Holy Virgin ...

Day 9: Mary Before the Cross of Her Son

O immaculate Virgin and Mother of God Mary, bring it about that the Cross as a sign of victory also rises in my life, as I am most intimately united with You and Your divine Son. Give me grace and strength to stand and persevere with You before the Cross of Your Son until my task on earth is fulfilled.
Most Holy Virgin ...