Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Mary Immaculate, ora pro nobis

November 27th is the Feast of Our  Lady of the Miraculous Medal, a joyful commemoration of the Marian apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré (1806-1876). In 1830 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine,  a young novice of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, and instructed her to have devotional medals struck portraying the image she manifested and that all who wear it in confidence will receive great graces. Obeying the Blessed Mother, St. Catherine went to her confessor, Fr. Jean Marie Aladel, and explained what had occurred. After much scrutiny she eventually obtained approval from the archbishop and on June 20, 1832 the first 2,000 medals were produced. Officially called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, the devotion quickly spread, and due to the many extraordinary blessings bestowed it soon came to be popularly known as the Miraculous Medal.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The accompanying photo of the Miraculous Medal bye-altar was taken at St. Mary Mother of God Church in Washington, D.C. Ave Maria!

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.