The Association of the Miraculous Medal will begin its annual Pentecost Novena of Masses here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal this Friday, May 14. Please join your AMM family in prayer, adding your intentions alongside theirs. The petitions you share will be entrusted to Our Lady and rest before her Shrine Altar through the Solemnity of Pentecost on May 23. During the novena, say this prayer to the Holy Spirit. You may also request a Votive Light to burn as a visible sign of your loving, prayerful support shining in the lives of those for whom you’re praying.  

 

AMM carries a special gift depicting the Holy Spirit’s advocacy in our lives. The Holy Spirit Silver Cruciform Medal & Chain features an antique silver finish with red enamel accentuating the distinctive Dove centerpiece. Flanked by images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Miraculous Medal, Saint Joseph, and Saint Christopher, this five-way medal also appeals for assistance with: "I am a Catholic – please call a priest" appearing on the reverse. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.”

As Pope Francis has counseled, “By loving humbly, serving freely and joyfully, we will offer to the world the true image of God. The Spirit reminds us that we ... grow by giving.” 

 

Thank you for the prayerful support you extend to loved ones through your membership in Mary’s Association. May Our Lady obtain for you, and them, a generous share in the gifts of the Spirit to draw you ever closer to her Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Asking Mary’s intercession for a loved one’s physical or spiritual healing is one of the most comforting gifts you could offer. Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, has promised to obtain blessings for all who approach her in faith. Request your complimentary Miraculous Medal Healing Remembrance Card to send as a gift of comfort and prayer-filled hope to someone who is suffering in body, mind, or spirit. If you send AMM their name, your recipient will be remembered in Masses and prayers here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri. You can also request to burn a Votive Light in their name, symbolizing your prayers for healing. Read more about Mary’s intercession for us and God’s grace in Fr. Kevin’s letter.  

“On this day, O beautiful Mother, on this day we give thee our love …" 

      The rains held off, and the people came.

      From near and far they arrived … families, couples, school children, First Communicants, and Confirmands. Gathering from across Missouri, Illinois, North Carolina, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio, members and friends of the Association of the Miraculous Medal arrived at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. They came to show their love and devotion.

      Spiritual Director, Father Kevin McCrackenc C.M., led the pilgrims in a prayerful procession. With rosaries in hand, the congregation strolled along the stately quarter-mile Rosary Walk to Mary’s grotto.

      A heartfelt swell of voices lifted prayers and songs to Our Lady as thousands of petitions submitted by Association members were laid at her feet. A wreath of tiny silk roses represented the spiritual presence of these AMM members and supporters.

      Fr. Kevin and Deacon Rob Huff offered words of inspiration about Mary’s queenship in heaven and on earth. She is an ever-present and unfailing teacher.

      While many have attended the Shrine’s May Procession for many years, others were first-time visitors. 

     Karen and Mario Anaya were among these. “We heard about the Shrine from my mom,” Karen said. “She had been looking for Miraculous Medals and learned about the May Procession on the AMM website.” The couple traveled eight hours, from Omaha, with their three young children, along with Karen’s parents and another family. “It’s so beautiful here,” Karen shared following the ceremony. “We are really glad we came.”