It is fitting that the Church’s premier Marian feast be celebrated on the first day of the new calendar year. In accepting God’s call to be the Mother of God, the ever Immaculate Virgin ushered in history’s most important new beginning for the benefit of all people. 

God willed that Mary not only serve as an earthly mother to Jesus, but also as a spiritual mother to all God’s children on earth. We do well to return God’s love through her. 

As Saint Louis de Montfort writes, “In giving ourselves to Jesus through Mary's hands, we imitate God the Father, who gave us his only Son through Mary, and who imparts his graces to us only through Mary. Likewise we imitate God the Son, who by giving us his example for us to follow, inspires us to go to him using the same means he used in coming to us, that is, through Mary. Again, we imitate the Holy Spirit, who bestows his graces and gifts upon us through Mary.”

The conclusion of our Christmas Novena is at hand. It is our prayer that you have “made room” not only in your home, but in your heart, to welcome the Christ Child. 

From all of us here at AMM and the Vincentian priests and brothers serving Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, we extend our greetings to you and your family of a holy and blessed Christmas. May you and your loved ones be blessed with good health, great hope, much happiness, and the spirit of love lived out by the Holy Family. Here is our Christmas prayer for you. 

Our office will be closed December 23 – 27 so that the Association’s staff can celebrate Christmas at home with loved ones. However, the beautifully decorated Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, as well as the Rosary Walk, grotto, and grounds, remain open for your prayerful pilgrimage. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop will be closed on December 24 and 25, but will be open on December 23, 26, and 27.

Enjoy a video of the Office Choir singing Night of Silence/Silent Night.

On that first Christmas, the Holy Family shared in the miracle of bringing forth a new life. The moment of the birth of Christ on earth brought forth a new spiritual reality for all of humanity — the gift of eternal salvation. Glory to God in the highest! 

Join the Association for its annual Christmas Novena to lift your heart and soul in grateful praise to the Father for the priceless gift of his Son, Jesus! Allow us to present your petitions of adoration, repentance, thanksgiving, and intercession to him through his and Our Blessed Mother, Mary. 

Your intentions will represent your prayerful presence here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal from December 16-24. Request a Votive Light to burn in honor of the Light of the world, brought forth so lovingly and tenderly by Our Lady, full of grace.

Though in winter the earth seems barren, we know that new life is being nurtured in secret. Hope springs eternal! Sending the National Shrine’s new winter Votive Light card to a family member or friend is a wonderful way to show that your love for them is like God’s — “ever green.”  

When you request a Votive Light to burn and make an offering for another’s intention, you can present our newest greeting card to your special recipient. The gift of prayer symbolized in the glowing Votive Light Sanctuary here at the National Shrine will surely be an appreciated gesture this holiday season and in the new year!  

Call us at 1-800-264-6279, to request your card(s). Share your intention(s) or visit this link to Light the Votive online.

We hope you’ll enjoy the winter issue of the Bulletin Newsletter with inspiring stories, including Father Kevin’s invitation to learn more about Saint Vincent de Paul, the founder of the Congregation of the Mission. Read about the National Shrine’s growing collection of sacred relics. In the Rays of Light, you’ll find a poetic message of hope when faced with sorrowful seasons of life. And, as always, we share inspiring testimonials from AMM members about blessings bestowed in their lives through the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.  

Your support for the Association of the Miraculous Medal at Christmas is a beautiful way to help the Mother of God become more known and loved by her spiritual children everywhere. This is our mission. Thank you again for being a part of our growing AMM family.