We’ve been going through the 33 Days of Morning Glory Marian consecration at our church. One suggestion is that we wear a Miraculous medal once we are consecrated.
While I’ve seen the medal a hundred times, I haven’t fully understood its symbolism and purpose. So here is what we found out:
Mary’s Design: The Miraculous Medal
What would you do if Our Blessed Mother appeared to you one night and revealed to you her very own design of something you could actually wear?
This happened nearly 200 years ago to a young woman named Catherine Labouré, a novice with the Daughters of Charity in Paris, France.
On July 18, 1830, Catherine first sees the Virgin who tells her, “My child, I am going to give you a mission.” A few months later, on November 27, 1830, Catherine has another vision of the Blessed Mother. Referring to the vision, the Blessed Mother tells Catherine, “Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.”
Catherine then shares her experiences to her confessor. With the Church’s approval, the first medals are made in 1832. And in 1836, the apparitions are declared genuine.
The result is the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, now more popularly known as the Miraculous Medal.
The Design and Its Meaning
The front side of the oval medal shows Mary standing on a globe, recognizing her as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her feet crushing a serpent depicts the defeat of Satan, in reference to Genesis 3:15 — “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Rays of light emerge from her outstretched hands, symbolizing the many graces that can be obtained through her. And around this scene are the words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,” which confirm her Immaculate Conception.
The opposite side displays a cross with a bar on its base, and a large “M” suspended on the bar. The cross refers to Christ and the salvation of the world, while the bar is the sign of the earth. The “M” is for “Mary” and “Mother.”
Below the “M” are two flaming hearts: the left with a crown of thorns, the right pierced by a sword. These symbolize the love of God through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The twelve stars encircling these elements refer to the 12 Apostles that signify the Church.
Miracles and Purpose
Since the distribution of the medals, miracles have been attributed to its use, including healings, protection from serious illnesses and a dramatic conversion of a former hater of Catholicism.
Today, many people have a devotion to Our Lady through the Miraculous Medal. Most important to note is what the Association of the Miraculous Medal declares: “There is no superstition, nothing of magic, connected with the Miraculous Medal. The Miraculous Medal is not a ‘good-luck charm.’ Rather, it is a great testimony to faith and the power of trusting prayer. Its greatest miracles are those of patience, forgiveness, repentance, and faith. God uses a Medal, not as a sacrament, but as an agent, an instrument, in bringing to pass certain marvelous results.”
She was born blind, without any pupils in her eyes. But at seven years old, through the intercession of her Confessor, Padre Pio, she was then able to see — even without pupils. Her name is Gemma di Giorgio.
On October 13, 1917, as tens of thousands gathered near Fatima in Portugal, a phenomenal occurrence of the sun happened, coinciding with an apparition of Our Lady to three children.
He was once a persecutor of believers, but one day, had an encounter with Jesus that changed the course of his life. He then became the apostle to the Gentiles.
These three stories have one thing in common: they all are miracles. Miracles take on different forms — from signs and wonders in nature, to physical healings, to inner transformations. They supersede the natural realm, and thus are deemed supernatural.
The word “miracle” comes from the Latin word “miraculum,” from “mirari” which means “to wonder.” Miracles are “wonders performed by supernatural power as signs of some special mission or gift and explicitly ascribed to God” (Catholic Encyclopedia).
So what makes something a miracle?
Biblical Scholar John Paul Meier maintains that there are three basic parts that comprise a miracle, namely: 1) It must be an unusual event that can be observed by others; 2) It cannot be explained on a natural level; 3) It appears to be the result of an act of God.
Miracles may come directly through God’s immediate action, or through creatures as means or instruments. Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is an example of the former, while St Peter being delivered from prison through the aid of an angel is an example of the latter.
Today, miracles — especially physical healings — help in determining whether someone can be considered for sainthood. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints is responsible for this, requiring a verification process where the potential miracle has to be instant, complete and without scientific explanation, as well as attributed to the candidate’s intercession.
They then turn over their findings to the Consulta Medica, a board of doctors who scrutinize the reports. Upon declaration that there is no scientific explanation for the cure, a panel of cardinals and priests will come together to verify whether the healing took place because of the candidate’s intercession. Once proven, the incident is declared a miracle.
More than anything else, miracles are signs of God’s presence. They are not just meant for the individual’s welfare; rather, on a larger scale and greater purpose, they are meant to lead people to salvation.
You find yourself at Mass, and when it’s time to say the Apostles’ Creed, you recite with the rest of the congregation: “I believe in…the communion of saints….”
But have you ever wondered what “the communion of saints” actually means?
Connection. Unity. Family. All these words have something to do with the communion of saints. It is the relationship among members of the Church who share a supernatural bond, with Christ Himself as the Head.
Blessed Pope Paul VI explains it in his “Credo of the People of God,” which is also quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (962):
“We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers.”
There are three states of the Church: 1) The Church Triumphant; 2) The Church Militant; and 3) The Church Suffering.
- The Church Triumphant. This refers to the saints and angels in heaven who have gained the crown of victory and are experiencing the full light of God’s glory.
- The Church Militant. This is us, the faithful on earth. We are “militant” because we pilgrims on earth continue to struggle against sin and temptation.
- The Church Suffering. This refers to the souls in purgatory, who are being purified from their sins and will one day share the eternal joy of heaven.
All these members of the Church are connected to one another and help one another.
- The blessed ones in heaven pray for the living and the souls in purgatory.
- The faithful on earth pray to the blessed in heaven and pray for the souls in purgatory.
- The souls in purgatory pray to the angels and saints, and also pray for the faithful on earth.
Thus, a cycle of spiritual merits and graces flows through the Church, the Body of Christ, a family of love. Now isn’t it great to know that we are part of this family?
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (946-962)
Product Feature Post: Chaplets
I admit it… I hadn’t heard of a chaplet until I was 33. I had no idea what they were. So I know there are many of you who know what a chaplet is, but probably many more who, like me, are continuing to discover many beautiful things about the Catholic Church.
Sometimes things are new to us that are old hat to others, and we think “I’m supposed to know all of this already. Does that mean I’m not a good Catholic?” This is the same question I asked myself when I first came across chaplets. Continue reading Quick Lesson on Chaplets
It’s human nature. Something incredible happens, people are inspired, spirits are lifted… and then… what?
Most of the time it wanes away.
What of Pope Francis’s visit? His inspiring words challenged us to be better people. But many times we make the mistake of saying “see – people should be better” without actually reflecting on what I can do to help bring Pope Francis’s vision alive.
It’s actually a little uncomfortable to think about. It certainly takes me outside my comfort zone. What can I be doing to follow Pope Francis’s example? Not to duplicate it, but just to move my life a little bit more towards that direction? Continue reading Now what?
Keep up with the Holy Father’s visit from afar.
For those of us that can’t be on the East Coast for Pope Francis’s 2015 USA visit, here is a list of websites where you can watch all of the events LIVE.
In case you miss something, live and recorded events at WalkWithFrancis. Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Pope Francis’ Visit to the USA
Sometimes I get to the end of my day and realize I wish I had prayed more throughout the day. Even in simple ways like putting intention into my work and being conscience of giving my best work to Him. Here are a few ways to put a little more prayer in your life and help develop the habit of daily prayer.
1. Good Morning to God
2. Singing hymns in the shower
Showers are a great place to sing! Belt out praise and glory in God as you lather up. Think about the words of the hymns that pass your lips and offer it up as prayer. Added bonus: You get to pick your favorite hymns that seem to never get sung at church. Continue reading 7 Simple Ways to Add a Little Prayer to Your Day
Why is it silver? Why did it look like iron? Who designed it?
The first time I laid eyes on Pope Francis’ pectoral cross, I remember thinking it was unlike anything else I had ever seen. When the first shipment of crosses arrived at our office, I noted a few different things… the detail, the signature on the back… and the hologram seal?
Turns out, the cross design is copyrighted and the seal makes sure my customers are getting the real deal. But there is so much more behind that story. Continue reading The Story Behind Pope Francis’ Pectoral Cross