Description
The Miraculous Medal of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
The Miraculous Medal was originally called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. But, because of the numerous accounts of miracles by those who wore it, people began to call it the Miraculous Medal, and the name stuck. The Medal is visual a reminder of Our Lady’s powerful intercession. Designed and revealed by Mary, the Miraculous Medal is unique among all medals. First revealed to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830, the Miraculous Medal has become a powerful sign of faith, hope, healing, and deeper devotion to millions around the world, offering them peace, comfort, and strength from Our Lady through wearing it.
Mary said to St. Catherine, ““Have a medal struck after this model. All who wear it will receive great graces, they should wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for persons who wear it with confidence.”
Front Side
- Mary Immaculate: Shown with open hands and rays of light streaming down, showing the graces Mary obtains for those who ask, as revealed to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830.
- The Serpent Beneath Her Feet: Illustrativing Satan and the power of sin, the serpent being crushed reflects Mary’s victory over evil (Gn. 3:15).
- The Inscription: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee” affirms the Immaculate Conception, proclaiming Mary “full of grace” (Lk. 1:28).
- The Date 1830: Marks the year the design was given to St. Catherine. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was formally proclaimed in 1854 and confirmed by Mary’s appearance at Lourdes in 1858.
- The Globe: Mary stands upon the globe as Queen of Heaven and Earth, representing her care and intercession for the whole world.
Back Side
- The Cross and the “M”: The cross represents Christ’s passion and our redemption, while the M stands for Mary and her role as Mother. Their interwoven design reflects Mary’s deep connection to her Son and her part in God’s plan of salvation.
- The Bar Beneath the Cross: Reflecting the earth and the Altar, where the Sacrifice of Calvary is made present at every Mass.
- The Two Hearts: Side by side are the Sacred Heart of Jesus, crowned with thorns, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, pierced by a sword. Together, they signify the boundless love of Jesus and Mary for humanity.
- The Twelve Stars: Represent both the twelve apostles and the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the entire Church. They also recall the vision in Revelation 12:1: “A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”
