“For every believer, and especially for Christian families, the humble dwelling place in Nazareth is an authentic school of the Gospel.” Saint John Paul II, Angelus, December 30, 2001. In Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, Christians possess a model for perfecting their own family. The Holy Family lived in complete surrender to God’s will, persevering in love throughout the greatest of trials. Reciting this short Prayer for the Family daily or weekly (together, when possible) is a faith-filled gesture of your desire to draw closer to one another, and to Our Heavenly Father.

Your prayers for dearly departed loved ones are a powerful spiritual gift that can hasten their journey toward full and everlasting union with God. Join the Association’s observance of All Souls Day at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on November 2. Sharing the names of deceased relatives and friends assures them of a special remembrance throughout the month of November as well as during the month of the anniversary of their passing. In his all-powerful existence that transcends the limits of earthly time, God can apply the merits of your prayers to assist your departed loved one. What a powerful gift this is! You may also request a Votive Light  to burn for your deceased loved ones. Father Kevin’s letter tells more about All Souls Day.

Making the sign of the cross with holy water recalls your Baptism, the joyous moment of your entrance into the Christian family. Blessing yourself daily is a powerful sign of faith. The use of holy water in your home is suggested to encourage a deeper spirit of prayerfulness among your family. Request your commemorative bottle filled with 4 ounces of holy water blessed here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri. The suggested offering of $8 per bottle includes shipping and handling.

This sacramental makes a wonderful gift for loved ones, and your offering furthers AMM’s mission to draw souls closer to Jesus through devotion to Mary, especially under her title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. 

Order your holy water here. Or, call 1-800-264-6279, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT.

In honor of Our Blessed Mother’s birthday on Thursday, September 8, we will begin an octave of prayer here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. There’s no better occasion to entrust your intentions to the Mother of God. Maybe your intentions include a remembrance for a loved one’s healing, the soul of a deceased relative, someone’s return to the faith, or you want to offer a prayer of gratitude for favors and blessings received. Mary welcomes your special appeal as a sign of your faith in the goodness of her Son, Jesus. You may also burn a Votive Light in Our Lady’s honor. Its rays will symbolize your spiritual presence at the Shrine.  Read Fr. Kevin’s letter to learn more about the birthday candle being created by thousands of faithful members.

When our Blessed Mother first appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré, she was seated, hands open as if asking the young novice to surrender her joys, worries, and intentions to Mary. Today, I pray that like Catherine did, you will spiritually entrust your cares to her, as well. I also invite you to send me your special intentions to be placed physically into the hands of our Lady’s bronze statue here on the National Shrine grounds in Perryville, Missouri. Your needs will be remembered throughout our October 7-14 octave of prayer honoring Our Lady of the Rosary. You may wish to order one or both of these devotional gifts to enrich your prayer journey. Fr. Kevin’s inspiring letter shares more about this wonderful opportunity!

Jesus is the Divine Physician. He worked miracles of healing during his life on earth, and he continues working miracles of healing now, especially through the intercession of his and our Blessed Mother Mary.  Our Lady promised that she would obtain God’s grace for all who seek her intercession. By using our Healing Remembrance Certificate, to bring comfort and strength to someone suffering from illness, injury, or emotional pain, you are asking Mary to intercede during their time of suffering and to bring her Son’s miraculous healing.  Read more about Mary’s healing intercession in Fr. Kevin’s letter.

Fr. Kevin’s Lenten Mission letter compares how athletes practice like it’s game day to the forty days of Lent as a way to strengthen your muscles of prayer, penance, and almsgiving. The Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri, wants to help you strengthen these spiritual muscles. Send your intentions to our Lady’s Association so we can remember them in our prayers and Masses during Lent. You can also request a Votive Light at our Lady’s Shrine for your intentions. Say this prayer each day of Lent to help you with your journey.

“Rejoice and be glad for the Savior has been born!” 

The Association of the Miraculous Medal staff would like to wish you and your family the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of God’s love on Christmas Day and always.  May you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.  Here is our Christmas prayer for you. Listen as Father Kevin and Don extend blessings to you this Christmas season, and thank you for your continued support of our Lady’s Association.