The proper name of the Miraculous Medal is the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. It was called this name from the beginning until people were so pleased with the wonders it worked, they called it the Miraculous Medal. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is portrays Mary crushing the head of the serpent, a reference to Genesis 3:15, "I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed; she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel."
THE MEANING OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL
The Front Side - On the front of the Miraculous Medal, Mary stands on a globe, representing the earth, with a crushed snake under her feet. This image represents Mary's role as "Queen of Heaven and Earth". The snake represents Satan, who was defeated by Mary's obedience to God. The rays coming from her hands symbolize the graces Mary gives to those who ask her. The year 1830 commemorates the year that the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Catherine Laboure.
The Reverse Side - On the reverse side of the Miraculous Medal is a cross and the letter "M". The cross represents Christ's sacrifice for our salvation, while the bar under the cross stands for the Earth. The "M" stands for "Mary" and her true devotion both to Jesus and to her children on Earth. The two hearts are the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The entire image is surrounded by twelve stars. The stars can represent both the twelve Apostles and the verse from the Book of Revelation, "a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars." Revelation 12:1 THE PROMISES OF THE MEDAL
During Our Lady's visit to Catherine on November 27, 1830, rays of light flowed from rings on her fingers that were made of precious stones. However, some of the stones on the ring did not shine. Mary explained:
"These rays symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for them. The gems from which rays do not fall are the graces for which souls forget to ask."
Mary then spoke of the medal with these words:
"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."
The medal is simply a visible sign of the inner devotion the wearer has for Mary and her Son, Jesus.
The miraculous medal apparition was for all mankind. Our Lady is concerned with each individual and the medal is a personal link between Our Lady and all who wear the medal. When she appeared to Saint Catherine of Laboure, she did not call for pilgrimages nor the building of a shrine, simply to wear the medal.
As I reflect on the miraculous medal, I think about the prayers answered and the miracles we have witnessed through the prayers of this ministry. I recall one baby who was seriously hurt in an accident. One of our prayer partners suggested the parents get a miraculous medal and pin it on the baby. This precious child made a complete recovery. Grow in your devotion to Our Lady and ponder her words." All who wear it will receive great graces." Wear a miraculous medal and ask Our Lady to shower her graces upon you. Wear the medal, with confident trust, knowing that you are linked to Our Lady and she is always with you..
O Mary, the Immaculate Conception, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
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