In July 2021, Catholics around the world became aware of the victory of the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medalist.
But it wasn’t just the athlete’s record-setting lift of nearly 500 pounds that captured everyone’s attention. It was that alongside her Olympic gold medal for weightlifting, Hidilyn Diaz triumphantly raised the Miraculous Medal she was wearing.
Her Miraculous Medal was a gift from friends who had prayed a novena for her just before the competition. Diaz called the medal “a sign of our faith in Mama Mary and Jesus Christ.”
When Our Blessed Mother gave Saint Catherine Labouré the design of the medal in 1830, she made clear it was meant for the whole world. “Graces will abound for persons who wear it with confidence,” Our Lady said.
Olympic medals show how much the world values physical victories. We push ourselves to be the strongest, fastest, and most talented. But all the while, heaven is urging us on to a different triumph; it is the only win that will really matter at the end of our earthly lives — our spiritual victory over sin through faith in Christ.
Countless people of faith wear a Miraculous Medal. If you don’t already have one, I hope you will begin wearing one, too.
To let someone know you’re praying for them is a gift of kindness, love, and friendship.
You may share your special intentions and/or request a Votive Light to burn here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Daily we lift up the needs of members to Our Lord through “Mama Mary.”
Yet how can one small Miraculous Medal make any real difference in the world? Think about Hidilyn’s story. From the simple acceptance of her friends’ gift to taking part in the novena of prayer to shouting out her thanks to God to having it all captured on camera and broadcast to millions, inspiring people of every culture and creed.
We have a beautiful reminder of how powerful heaven is, and how important every gesture of love and friendship might be.
Our Lady will keep her promise of showering God’s graces on all who put their faith and confidence in her intercession.
You may request free, blessed oxidized Miraculous Medals on a card of explanation. These are a more “basic” model and are attached to a beautiful card sharing the story of Our Lady’s appearance to Saint Catherine.
Any freewill offering you include is gratefully accepted. We will use it to spiritually strengthen others through trust-filled devotion to Our Lady.
Thank you for drawing closer to Jesus by joining the international family of the Association of the Miraculous Medal. We are here to help you “come home with the gold” — attaining by your life of faith the supreme prize of everlasting joy in God’s presence.
Your friend along the journey,
Fr.Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director