What is going on in your life right now that needs to be put into Mary’s hands? Do you have hopes, dreams, or needs that deserve the loving attention of our Blessed Mother? Undoubtedly you do, and I invite you to physically and spiritually place them in Mary’s hands.
The Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri, carries on Mary’s mission, entrusted to Saint Catherine Labouré, by promoting devotion to our Lady through her Miraculous Medal, the image she gave to Catherine in 1830.
The grounds here at our Lady’s National Shrine are beautiful and spiritually uplifting. There’s one statue in particular that captures the image of Mary as she appeared to Saint Catherine, hands open and ready to receive our joys, concerns, worries, fears, heartaches and prayers.
On an incline, behind the statue of our Blessed Mother, is a bronze statue of Jesus. These statues are a visual representation of our mission at the Association to bring souls to Jesus through the intercession of his and our Blessed Mother.
Please allow us to literally place your most heartfelt intentions into the hands of this statue of Mary as a symbol of your spiritual presence as we join you in praying to Jesus, through Mary, for the graces you are seeking.
When you send us your intentions, they will be remembered in our upcoming octave of prayer in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, beginning on her feast day, October 7, and concluding on October 14, as well as in the daily Mass and prayers at our Lady’s National Shrine throughout the month of October.
The account of our Blessed Mother’s apparition to Saint Catherine Labouré on July 18, 1830, contains a fascinating detail I’d like to share with you.
After waking to the radiant vision of a child at 11:00 p.m., Catherine followed the child’s instruction to meet the Blessed Mother in the convent chapel. Sister Catherine entered the chapel and knelt at the communion rail when suddenly, the Blessed Virgin appeared, sitting in the director’s chair.
Catherine rose from the communion rail, knelt at the feet of our Lady, and then placed her hands on Mary’s lap.
What a beautiful image and example! I envision Catherine placing her hands into our Lady’s hands, staring up into the caring, maternal eyes of our Heavenly Mother with complete trust and confidence in Mary’s loving touch.
As Catholics, we believe that our Blessed Mother intercedes for us, bringing our petitions directly to her Son Jesus. In fact, this was Mary’s message to Sister Catherine Labouré, “Come to the foot of the altar. Graces will be shed on all, great and little, especially upon those who ask for them. You will have the protection of God and Saint Vincent. I always will have my eyes upon you.”
What an amazing mother we have! Her hands are always ready to take ours.
You are also invited to burn a Votive Light as a sign of your prayers entrusted to Mary’s maternal care. Simply indicate your desire to burn a Votive Light on the same reply form.
As a way to honor our Blessed Mother for her holy intercession, we are offering two unique gifts which can be requested individually or as a set.
The first is a one-of-a-kind, six inch poly resin bronze gold finish statue, for a suggested gift of $57 or more. It is a replica of the very same bronze statue of Mary upon which we’ll be placing your intentions. This gift was so popular last year that we decided to make it available again this year for you to share with family and friends.
The second gift is a beautiful, multicolored blue crystal bead Marian rosary in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary. The rosary measures 23 inches long and has an image of Mary at each Our Father bead. This gift can be yours for a suggested contribution of $25 or more. As a set, the statue and rosary will be sent to you for a donation of $70.
Both the statue and rosary will be blessed here at our Lady’s National Shrine.
Our Mother Mary wants you to be in good hands. In fact, she wants you to be in the best hands…the hands of our Lord Jesus. By placing your life and your prayers into Mary’s hands, you are asking her to place them in God’s hands, and she will intercede on your behalf.
Thank you in advance for your loving support of our Lady’s Association and your confidence in her promise to obtain God’s grace for all who ask.
Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director