# Introducing the Miraculous Medal
*2015-10-27*

> Bill Young explains the origins of the Miraculous Medal, its symbolism, and how saints have used it to spread Mary’s grace.

## A Feast Day and a New Topic

Good evening, I’m Bill Young. Today is Friday, November 27, the feast of St. Francesco Antonio Fasani, a 17th‑century Franciscan priest known for his love of the poor. As we reflect on his saintly life, I want to introduce the Miraculous Medal, a devotion that has touched countless souls.

## Our Lady’s Apparition to St. Catherine Labouré

In 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared to Sister Catherine Labouré, a member of the Daughters of Charity in Paris. Mary asked Catherine to have a medal struck according to the design she showed her. She promised that all who wear the medal with confidence will receive abundant graces and protection. Mary also explained the symbolism: she holds the world in her outstretched hands, a sign of her maternal care for all humanity.

## The Design and Its Meaning

The medal bears the image of the Virgin with open arms, surrounded by rays of light. Around the edge are the words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” On the reverse is the letter M surmounted by a cross, beneath which are two hearts—one pierced by a sword, the other encircled by a cross—surrounded by twelve stars. These symbols recall Mary’s Immaculate Conception, her sorrows, and her queenship.

## Miraculous Stories and Saints

One famous conversion involved a Jewish man named Alphonse Ratisbonne, who wore the medal after a friend gave it to him. He entered the Church of St. Anne in Rome, experienced a powerful Marian apparition, and later became a Catholic priest. Saints such as St. Catherine Labouré, St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, and Blessed Pedro Pía carried and distributed the medal, witnessing countless healings, conversions, and protections.

## Living the Devotion

The Miraculous Medal can be embraced in three ways: wearing it around the neck as a sign of Mary’s protection; reciting the invocation inscribed on the medal each day; and giving the medal to others, especially those in need of spiritual or physical help. These practices open us to the graces Mary promises.

## A Prophetic Echo

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of one who would be clothed in the “garments of salvation.” This image fits the Miraculous Medal, which wraps us in Mary’s maternal care and points us to Christ.

*Wearing and sharing the Miraculous Medal invites us into Mary’s boundless love and the graces she freely offers.*