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The Miraculous
Medal owes its origins to the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin
Mary in the chapel of the Rue du Bac, Paris, in 1830. She appeared
to Catherine Labouré, showing the young nun and future
saint the design of a medal that serves as a mini-catechism of
the Church's teaching on Our Lady.
In a vision, Mary stood on a globe with brilliant light streaming
from her jeweled fingers. "Behold the symbol of graces shed
upon those who ask for them," she said, representing herself
as Mediatrix of All Graces. Surrounding her a banner read, "O
Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to
you," symbolizing her Immaculate Conception. The vision
reversed, showing the letter 'M' entwined with a cross above
the Sacred Hearts. This image represents Mary as Coredemptrix,
a unique participator in Jesus' saving act of redemption.
Millions of
medals have been distributed and untold graces given "to
those who wear it around the neck" as the Virgin promised
to St. Catherine. Hearing of the miraculous conversion of the
agnostic Alphonse Ratisbonne through the medal, St. Maximilian
made wearing it and giving it away an integral part of his movement.
He called the Miraculous Medal "a 'bullet' with which the
faithful soldier hits the enemy, that is evil, and thus rescues
souls."
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Miraculous
Medal
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Daily Miraculous
Medal Prayer of St. Maximilian Kolbe
O Mary,
conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you,
and for all who do not have recourse
to you, especially the enemies
of the Church and
those recommended to you.
** To purchase Miraculous
Medals, go to MI
Resources,
Call toll
free 800-743-1177 ** |