# The story of the Miraculous Medal
*2017-03-21*

> Bill Young discusses the history and symbolism of the Miraculous Medal and reflects on the importance of reconciliation during the third week of Lent.

## A Time for Reconciliation

As we reach the halfway point of Lent, it is a vital time to reflect on our relationship with God. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:20, we are reminded that we are ambassadors for Christ, and God is making His appeal through us to be reconciled. Pope Francis has noted that Lent is a time for reconciliation for everyone. Many people yearn to return to God but may feel unworthy or unsure of how to do so. The Christian community must foster an environment that encourages this return, especially through the ministry of reconciliation.

We are called to be instruments of the Holy Spirit. No one should be separated from God because of obstacles put in place by mankind. This is a time for us to recover our need for closeness to the Father and to return to Him with all our hearts.

## The Origin of the Miraculous Medal

The Miraculous Medal has a beautiful history rooted in the visions of Catherine Labouré, a novice of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, France. On November 27, 1830, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her and manifested the pattern for a medal. Our Lady promised that all who wore the medal with confidence would receive great graces.

By 1832, the first medals were produced and distributed with the approval of the Church. It quickly became known as the 'Miraculous Medal' because of the many miracles, blessings, protections, and conversions attributed to it. It is important to remember that the medal itself has no inherent power; rather, God acts through it, much as He worked through the rod of Moses or the handkerchiefs touched by St. Paul.

## Symbolism of the Medal

The front of the medal is a joyful sign. Mary is depicted standing on the globe as Queen and Mother of all, her feet crushing the serpent, as foretold in Genesis 3:15. Her open hands signify the graces of Christ that she shares with the world. Around the rim is the prayer: 'O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.'

The back of the medal is more somber, reflecting the suffering of Jesus and Mary. The cross at the top shows Christ as the Savior of all. The Heart of Jesus is encircled by a crown of thorns, representing His suffering and internal love for every person. The Heart of Mary is pierced by a sword, symbolizing her joining in Christ's suffering for the sake of others. The twelve stars represent the twelve apostles or the sign from Revelation 12:1.

## Mary as Our Mother

Asking Mary to pray for us is natural because she is our mother. Just as her intercession led to the first miracle of Jesus at the Wedding at Cana, she continues to intercede for us from heaven. When Jesus hung on the cross, He gave Mary to John, and in John, He gave her to all of us.

Wearing the Miraculous Medal is like keeping a photograph of our parents or grandparents in our home. We do not worship the image, nor do we worship the medal; rather, it is a sign of thankfulness to Mary for giving us the greatest treasure in our lives: her Son, Jesus Christ.

*The Miraculous Medal serves as a powerful reminder of Mary's maternal love and her role in leading us closer to the grace and salvation of her Son.*