The Miraculous Medal, also known as the Medal of Our Lady of Graces, is a devotional medal created after the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the chapel at Rue du Bac in Paris, France, now known as the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Initially called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, it became known as the Miraculous Medal because of the many accounts of graces attributed to those who wore it. Goldsmith Adrien Vachette made the original medal. In this guide, we explore its origin, its spiritual meaning and its lasting influence on generations of faithful.
The Story of St. Catherine Labouré
Believers recount the story of St. Catherine Labouré, a young novice of the Daughters of Charity, who experienced a series of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1830. During the apparition of November 27, 1830, Mary revealed the design of the medal and asked St. Catherine to have it made, promising great graces to those who wore it with devotion. Today, November 27 is celebrated as the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
How the Medal Spread Around the World
With the Church’s approval, the first medals were made in 1832 and distributed in Paris. The Miraculous Medal quickly became popular, spreading across countries, with more than a billion medals made by the time of St. Catherine’s death in 1876. Today, the medal continues to be a source of blessings and graces for those who wear it.
The Front of the Miraculous Medal
The front of the Miraculous Medal shows Mary Immaculate with her hands open and radiating light. She stands on the globe as Queen of Heaven and Earth, with her feet crushing a serpent to symbolize the defeat of Satan. The words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee" frame the image.
The Back of the Miraculous Medal
The back of the medal displays a cross and bar above a bold "M," with twelve stars around the edge. Two hearts appear beneath the "M," one encircled with a crown of thorns and the other pierced by a sword, each with a flame rising from the top. The reverse side symbolizes the close relationship between Mary and the suffering, passion and death of Jesus, as well as her role as Mother of the Church. The two hearts represent the love of Jesus and Mary for humanity, and the twelve stars represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, symbolizing the whole Church gathered around Mary.
This remarkable medal is a visual reminder of salvation through Jesus Christ and of Mary’s role as Mother of the Church, and believers continue to experience blessings and graces when wearing it with devotion. If you love Marian medals, read about the significance of the Fatima medal.
How to Choose Your 18K Gold Miraculous Medal
We offer many Miraculous Medals in different sizes and styles, some more classic and others more modern, in white and yellow gold, always in high-quality 18K gold. For babies and children, a mini Miraculous Medal is light and comfortable to wear every day, while larger oval medals make a beautiful statement for adults.
Explore all our 18K gold Miraculous Medals and our full collection of 18K gold saint and religious medals.
