As “Easter people,” Christians rejoice in the central truth of our faith. Jesus died and rose to save us from death, opening the gates of heaven to make possible our own eternal life. It is knowledge that gives us hope.

I’m offering two Easter cards so you can share your joy in the Risen Lord with those you love. If you tell us their names, each recipient will be remembered in the Easter Octave of Masses beginning Easter Sunday and concluding on the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday). You may also request a Votive Light to burn for their needs.

One of the needs members pray for often is that their loved ones return to the practice of their faith. Indeed, Mary stands ready to help us in this urgent request. The grace of conversion is its own “rising to new life” -- worthy of great rejoicing! A member from Oregon wrote about how a gesture of love and faith involving the Miraculous Medal prompted such a conversion in the lives of two siblings:

Dear Father,

My mother had always dismissed religion as unimportant. She had no faith or beliefs. My father kept us in Catholic school, but following my mother’s advice, I stopped receiving the sacraments when I was seven years old, and lived the rest of my life in fear. I actually ended up in a mental institution when I was a teenager, and tried to kill myself. I was so lost and so locked up inside that I couldn’t communicate my struggles to anyone.

Decades later, when my brother started to have serious problems in his life, I knew we needed help. Neither of us was practicing our Catholic faith, but when I came across the Miraculous Medal quite by accident, I sent one to him. As his life began to turn around for the better, I thought, “I’d better get a Miraculous Medal for myself.”

Soon after wearing it, I found myself talking to a priest who was also a psychotherapist. He put on his stole and blessed me with forgiveness. I felt profoundly relieved! I pulled out my Miraculous Medal and showed it to him, and he pulled out his Miraculous Medal and showed it to me—is that not something?

In returning to my faith, I found a new sense of peace and well-being, and my whole life began to change. I received Holy Communion and gave my life to my Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Association is honored to accompany you and your loved ones along life’s journey of faith. We promise our prayerful support throughout the year.

If you would like more Easter cards, we’d be happy to send them. Be sure to request them by March 19. There are two simple ways to order: click here to order online or call us during business hours (Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT) at
1-800-264-MARY (6279).

Finally, make the most of these 40 days of Lent, using every moment to ready our hearts and souls to rise to new life in Christ. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Gratefully yours in Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director

P.S. We are especially grateful for any offering you make so that AMM can continue to promote devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, who intercedes for each of us before the throne of her risen Son. Thank you in advance for your generosity.