The Medal of the Immaculate Conception—the medal we know as the Miraculous Medal—came to us from heaven.  The Blessed Virgin herself designed it!

 

On the night of July 18-19, 1830, a child (perhaps her guardian angel) awakened Sister (now Saint) Catherine Labouré, a novice of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, and summoned her to the community chapel.  There she met with the Blessed Mother and spoke with her for several hours.  During that conversation, Mary said to Catherine, “My child, I am going to give you a mission.”

Catherine’s Mission

Mary gave Catherine her mission in a vision during evening meditation on November 27, 1830.  Catherine saw the Blessed Mother standing on what seemed to be half a globe and holding a golden globe in her hands as if offering it to heaven.

 

Streaming from rings on Mary’s fingers as she held the globe were many rays of light.  Our Lady explained that the rays symbolize the graces she obtains for those who ask for them.  However, some of the gems on the rings were dark, and the Blessed Mother explained that the rays and graces were available but did not come because no one had asked for them.  The vision then changed to show our Lady standing on a globe with her arms now outstretched and with the dazzling rays of light still streaming from her fingers.

The Inscription Around the Medal

Framing the figure was an inscription—O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.  The vision turned and showed the design of the reverse side of the medal.  Twelve stars encircled a large “M” from which arose a cross.  Below were two hearts with flames arising from them.  Thorns encircled one heart and a sword pierced the other heart.

“Have a Medal Struck”

Then Mary spoke to Catherine, “Have a medal struck upon this model.  Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.”

 

The first Medals were made in 1832 and were distributed in Paris.  Almost immediately, the graces and blessings that Mary had promised began to shower down on those who wore her Medal.  The devotion spread like wildfire.  Marvels of grace and health, peace and prosperity, followed in its wake.  Before long people were calling it the “Miraculous” Medal.

 

When our Blessed Mother gave the design of the medal to Catherine she said, “Now it must be given to the whole world and to every person.”  Today, the Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri carries out our Lady’s request in many ways.