A new academic school year will be starting soon and for many, if not most, this school year will have a different feel and look. The Association of the Miraculous Medal has a new Back to School Votive Light card to let a loved one know you are praying for them. If you know someone returning to school – a child, teenager, adult, teacher, or staff member, please send me their names so they may be included in the prayers and Masses offered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for the entire school year. You might also want to give the students and teachers in your life their very own Miraculous Medal. The Association has many beautiful medals to choose from, including one with a large lobster-claw clasp that conveniently attaches to lanyards, backpacks, and key chains. Read Fr. Kevin’s letter about the quest for truth and knowledge. If you are interested in promoting our Lady’s Miraculous Medal to students, educators, your parish, or any organization, request your free Miraculous Medals attached to explanation cards in bulk to distribute.  

Imagine speaking to our Blessed Mother as Saint Catherine Labouré did 190 years ago on July 18,1830. On that date, Mary told Catherine that God wished to charge her with a mission. As we know, that mission was to promote and distribute the Medal of the Immaculate Conception—the Miraculous Medal. Mary said, “….graces will be shed on all, great and little, who ask for them.”  Mary invites each of us to rest our burdens and cares in her hands.  All we need to do is pray with confidence, asking for her intercession. She will listen and ask God to fill us with his grace. Send your prayer petitions and burn a Votive Light at our Lady’s Altar in time for the anniversary of our Lady’s first apparition to Saint Catherine on July 18. We will place your petitions there for remembrance in the daily Masses and prayers. Please wear and share the Miraculous Medal, remembering to frequently pray its inscription, “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”