Miraculous Medal

The Miraculous Medal, also known as the Medal of the Immaculate Conception originated in France in the 19th century, following a series of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Catherine Labouré, a novice nun of the Daughters of Charity in Paris.

The first apparition occurred on July 18, 1830, when Catherine was awakened by a bright light in her convent cell. She saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary standing on a globe, with rays of light emanating from her hands. Around the figure, an inscription read, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."

During subsequent visions, Mary revealed to Catherine the design of the Miraculous Medal, instructing her to have it struck and distributed. The medal featured the image of Mary standing on a globe, crushing a serpent beneath her feet, symbolizing her victory over sin and evil. Rays of light streamed from her outstretched hands, representing the graces Mary bestows upon those who ask for her intercession. Encircling the image were the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."

Catherine relayed these visions to her spiritual director, Father Aladel, who initially was skeptical but eventually sought approval for the production of the medal from the Archbishop of Paris. The first batch of medals was struck in 1832, and soon reports of miracles and graces associated with the medal began to spread. Its popularity grew rapidly, especially after a cholera epidemic in Paris in 1832, during which many claimed to have been miraculously healed through the intercession of Mary by wearing the medal.