THE MEANING OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

and

WHY DO CATHOLICS WEAR ONE

I am hoping that this little guide about the Miraculous Medal and why wear one can be a help and inspiration to many who may question the medal's meaning or even wonder why Catholics wear any of them.  There are numerous medals but the one I would like to tell you about is very special to me.  It is the Miraculous Medal.  To begin with, here is a little information about its origin:

THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

The Miraculous Medal came about as a result of an apparition of Our Lady on November 27, 1830.  It came through a humble novice, Sister Catherine Laboure, in the course of a vision in which Our Lady appeared to her and asked her to have a medal made.  On the front of the medal, was to be a representation of herself as she appeared to the Sister on this day.  The back was to carry, among other things, a picture of two hearts, the Sacred Heart with a crown of thorns around it and the Heart of Mary pierced by a sword.  Here is a description of the main features of the vision, reported in the Sister's own words:

'Her feet rested on a half-ball.  There was also a serpent of greenish coulour with yellow splotches.  Her hands, in a gesture of offering to God, held a ball of gold surmounted by a small cross of gold, that represented the globe.'

'She said to Have a medal struck according to this model.  All who wear it shall receive great graces, if they wear it around their neck.  These graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence.'

Sister Catherine faithfully accomplished the mission Heaven had entrusted to her.  In 1832 the medal was struck and immediately underwent an extraordinary diffusion throughout the world, accompanied by unceasing prodigies of cures, protection and conversion.  In its wake followed innumerable wonders.  Health was restored, sickness banished, blessing bestowed.  Thus it came to be known as the Miraculous Medal.

Now many may question, "WHY" do Catholics wear medals.  The use in the Church of medals is very ancient and is intended to excite devotion and prayer.  These items also signify the individual Christian's commitment to a holy life or commendation to the particular protection of the subject depicted.  Just like with all sacramentals, (Blessed medals and crosses), there is no "magic" benefit derived from wearing a medal, but they do prepare the wearer to receive God's grace and dispose them to cooperate with it.  The efficiency of a sacramental, (medal or cross), depends upon the devotion, faith and love of the person who uses them.

I sincerely hope this little guide that I have presented to you has been beneficial to anyone with questions about the Miraculous Medal or even "WHY" Catholics wear medals.  It is intended to shed a little light of inspiration and understanding of this , my most favorite medal, the Miraculous Medal.  So let us wear this medal of the Most Blessed Virgin with respect, and often repeat with confidence and love, the invocation by which Our Heavenly Mother desires that we implore favors:  O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.