In the year 1830, the Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in France and presented her with a vision of what would soon be known as the Miraculous Medal. “Have a medal struck upon this model,” Our Lady said. “Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck.”
After the first medals were cast and distributed to people in Paris in 1832, the incredible graces which the Blessed Mother promised began to pour forth. Holy Mother Church performed a careful investigation and soon made the declaration that Sister Laboure’s visions were genuine.
It is important to remember that the Miraculous Medal is not a matter of magic or superstition. It is a matter of faith and trust. As the Association of the Miraculous Medal reminds us: “[The Miraculous Medal is] a testimony to faith and the power of trusting prayer. Its greatest miracles are those of patience, forgiveness, repentance, and faith.”
If we wear this medal in faith, and strive to live a life of grace, Our Lady lovingly intercedes for us. November 27th is the feast day for this special medal.
Read more about the Miraculous Medal.
Here are the proper rubrics and instructions for the blessing and investiture with the Miraculous Medal:
Blessing and Investiture with the Miraculous Medal from Roman Ritual
[Priest vests in surplice and white stole]
+. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
+. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
Almighty and merciful God, Who by the many appearances on earth of
the Immaculate Virgin Mary were pleased to work miracles again and
again for the salvation of souls; kindly pour out Your blessing + on
this medal, so that all who devoutly wear it and reverence it may
experience the patronage of Mary Immaculate and obtain mercy from
You; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
[Priest sprinkles Miraculous Medal(s) with Holy Water, then presents
it to person(s) saying:]
Take this holy medal; wear it with faith, and handle it with due
devotion, so that the Holy and Immaculate Queen of Heaven may protect
and defend you. And as she is ever ready to renew her wondrous acts
of kindness, may she obtain for you in her mercy whatever you humbly
ask of God, so that both in life and in death you may rest happily in
her motherly embrace. AMEN.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father . . .
+. And lead us not into temptation,
R. But deliver us from evil.
+. Queen conceived without Original Sin,
R. Pray for us who have recourse to thee.
+. O, Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
+. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, Who willed that Your Mother, the Blessed Virgin
Mary conceived without sin, should become illustrious through
countless miracles; grant that we who ever seek her patronage may
finally possess everlasting joys. We ask this of You, Who lives and
reigns forever and ever, AMEN.
