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Association of the Miraculous Medal

Author: Michelle Weiler

2025 – A Jubilee Year of Hope

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ …  1 Peter 1:3

Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church, home of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, is one of nine pilgrimage sites in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis for the Jubilee Year of Hope for 2025.

Pope Francis announced a Jubilee Year of Hope for 2025. The celebration of the Jubilee began on Christmas Eve, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. It continues through January 6, 2026.

“Christian hope … is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love,” the Holy Father wrote.

The faithful will be able to obtain the special grace of a “Jubilee Indulgence” (a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven) by fulfilling certain exercises in conjunction with making a pious pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal or another sacred Jubilee site.

“The Vincentian Family is humbled by the designation of its historic home as a sacred site during 2025,” said Spiritual Director Father Clayton Kilburn, C.M. “We look forward to welcoming thousands of pilgrims of hope to Saint Mary’s of the Barrens –– the National Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Walking by faith with the Blessed Virgin at our side, we can be assured of obtaining God’s mercy as we await the fulfillment of the joyous promise of eternal life with Christ in heaven.”

Below are several links to more information about the Jubilee Year of Hope, indulgences, and the National Shrine’s calendar of Masses and other public events associated with this special year.

Vatican website: www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html

USCCB site: www.usccb.org/committees/jubilee-2025

Archdiocesan website: archstl.org/2025jubileeyear

Twelve Stars of Mary Monthly Giving Club

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with
the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Many Bible scholars understand Revelation 12:1 as referring to Our Lady. The crown of stars symbolizes that she is a Queen. Being clothed with the sun is often understood as God’s gift of grace covering the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her very being is overshadowed by divine power, grace, truth, and the Light of Life, Jesus, himself.

As a member of the Association of the Miraculous Medal, you have a special appreciation for Mary’s role as our spiritual mother and advocate. THANK YOU for your support of AMM, which helps us draw more people into Our Lady’s protection through Mary’s gift of the Miraculous Medal.

Today, I invite you to join AMM’s devoted supporters who belong to our Twelve Stars of Mary Monthly Giving Club. Members of the monthly giving club generously provide year-round gifts so that AMM’s ministry might reach more people with one of the greatest signs of God’s love, Mary, our Most Holy Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth.

We gratefully accept a pledge of any amount. If you commit to a monthly offering of $20 or more, you will receive several thank-you gifts. These include a blessed sterling silver Miraculous Medal on a stainless steel chain, a laminated prayer card, and an inspiring soft-covered volume of Marian devotions.

As a Twelve Stars of Mary member, your generosity will help more souls turn to Our Lady in their need and receive the graces she promised … like these AMM members:

Some time ago, my house burned down because of a candle I forgot to blow out. My mother and I were able to get out of the house unharmed. Two weeks earlier, I bought a statue of Our Lady. My mother and I prayed the Rosary every night in front of the statue. I feel sure Our Blessed Mother interceded to save our lives.

I visited the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Paris. I was a man of little faith at the time, but that has changed. My prayer that day was for a job; I had been unemployed for some time. Returning home, there was a voicemail on my phone about a job interview. I got the job the next day! Thank you, Blessed Virgin, for hearing my prayers.

My husband was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors prescribed an expensive drug to strengthen his bones, but there was no way we could afford the cost. My husband and I prayed a Rosary and asked Mary for her intercession. Shortly after, we received a call from the doctor’s office. They’d found an organization that would pay for this drug for one year. Now that’s a miracle!

Wearers of the Miraculous Medal also secure blessings for the whole world as the image of Mary on the front of the medal shows her with her foot on the head of Satan.  Help us continue to spread devotion to Mary, through the merits of the Miraculous Medal.

You can choose from three easy ways to join the Twelve Stars Club: by credit card, an automatic transfer from your bank, or by a monthly check.

I thank you for your prayerful support of the ministry being carried out here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May God bless you for your efforts to serve him, and may he draw all of us ever closer to himself.

Sincerely and gratefully in Jesus,

Fr. Clayton Kilburn, C.M.

Spiritual Director

P.S.  To learn more about the Twelve Stars of Mary Monthly Giving Club, call us at 1-800-264-MARY (6279). Our staff would love to speak with you and answer any questions you may have about this opportunity.

Twelve Stars of Mary Monthly Giving Club

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

Join AMM members who support Our Lady’s ministry all year long.

The Association of the Miraculous Medal is dedicated to drawing the world to Jesus through Mary. Please help us fulfill this mission by joining the Twelve Stars of Mary Monthly Giving Club. Your commitment offers you a convenient way to support AMM year-round while lowering its expenses –– making the impact of your gift even greater. Read Father Clay’s letter and call us at 1-800-264-MARY (6279) to learn more.

To tell us (and others) about how Our Lady has drawn you closer to Jesus, please share your testimony here.

Espousal of Mary Novena of Masses

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

Be part of AMM’s Prayerful Observance Beginning Tuesday, January 14

Send your petitions to be remembered during AMM’s annual celebration of Mary’s Espousal to Saint Joseph. The novena begins January 14 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and continues for nine days.

Also called the “Feast of the Holy Spouses,” this observance was recognized by Pope Leo X and celebrated in 1517 by the Nuns of the Annunciation. Typically, it is observed on January 23. Though the feast does not appear on the Church’s liturgical calendar, numerous shrines, dioceses, and Catholic congregations around the world celebrate it.

You are invited to burn a Votive Light to honor the holy spouses’ faith-filled commitment to one another. Your intentions will be placed near Our Lady’s Altar here at the National Shrine and remembered throughout the novena as well as on the actual feast day, January 23. During the novena, join us in praying for engaged and married couples and all unborn children. In every place and time, may God bless and protect the institution of the family as the first and foremost spiritual community. 

“Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived
together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:18

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Designated Sacred Site for 2025 Jubilee Year

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

The faithful are invited to make a spiritual pilgrimage to the National Shrine in Perryville, Missouri, in 2025. As a “pilgrim of hope” –– the theme for this year’s Jubilee –– you can obtain a plenary indulgence by fulfilling certain conditions. An indulgence is the remission of punishment due for sins. Visiting the Shrine can be a beautiful and inspiring opportunity to meet these requirements. (See this article for more information).

The Shrine Church is open daily 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., CT, 365 days a year. For more information on Mass and tour schedules, go here.

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God Wednesday, January 1

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

“It is fitting … that the year should open by invoking her … as the Holy Mother of God. For those words … express the joyful certainty that the Lord, a tiny Child in his Mamma’s arms, has united himself forever to our humanity … Mary knows our needs; she intercedes to make grace overflow in our lives and to guide them to authentic fulfilment … Whenever we are tempted to retreat into ourselves, let us run to her; whenever we are no longer able to untie the knots in our lives, let us seek refuge in her. Our times, bereft of peace, need a Mother who can reunite the human family.  Let us look to Mary … She cares for us and remains close to us.”        – excerpts from Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis, January 1, 2024, Saint Peter’s Basilica

The great Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is celebrated each year on January 1. It is a holy day of obligation. Mass will be offered at 12:10 p.m., CT, inside the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church) in Perryville, Missouri. All are invited to join us in person or in spirit.

This feast is a beautiful opportunity to send your petitions to the Shrine and/or request a Votive Light to burn for your special intentions in this new year.

Join with us in reciting this beautiful Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary as an additional way to celebrate and honor the Mother of God.

Christmas Prayer and Blessing

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

As this year’s Christmas Novena of Masses concludes, all of us here at Mary’s Association, along with the Vincentian priests and brothers serving at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, wish you and your family a blessed and peace-filled Christmas season!

May your home be a haven of purity and prayer, a reflection of the Holy Family in whom we have the perfect model of faith, hope, and love. Here are our Christmas prayers for you and those you love. 

Christmas Novena Begins Monday, December 16

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

“… A star shall advance from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel …” (Numbers 24:17)

Jesus is the Son of God, the Light of Life, the Prince of Peace. He was delivered to the world through the obedience and trust of the Virgin Mary, the Blessed Mother of God and our constant advocate before his throne in heaven.

The Lord is with us! Celebrate this Christmas with the Association of the Miraculous Medal during our annual novena of Masses leading up to the birth of the Christ Child, our Savior. Add your intentions of adoration, repentance, thanksgiving, and intercession for remembrance.

Your petitions will be a sign of your prayerful presence 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 “star advancing from Jacob,” the Son of God, King of Kings, entrusted to us through the loving, tender care of Our Lady, full of grace!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

December 12 marks the anniversary of the second apparition of Mary to Juan Diego in 1531. Our Lady favored her humble servant with a miraculous sign – filling his cloak with dozens of roses (which could not have grown anywhere nearby during December) and leaving her beautiful image imprinted on it. In the centuries since, veneration to Our Lady of Guadalupe has been especially strong throughout Mexico, with the now-famous image becoming a highly revered symbol of the country’s national identity. Mary’s tender motherhood of all peoples of the earth is called to mind on this day.

We invite you to browse AMM’s selection of religious gift items highlighting the traditional Guadalupe image.

Also, join us in praying to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.

Immaculate Conception Octave of Masses Begins Monday, December 9

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

Because December 8 falls on a Sunday of Advent this year, the Church will observe the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, December 9. Join fellow members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal in our annual eight-day celebration of the feast commemorating God’s gracious gift to Mary in preserving her from the stain of original sin.

In 1830, Mary called upon all people to invoke her as “conceived without sin,” as this phrase appears on the Miraculous Medal she instructed Catherine to create and promote.

On December 8, 1854, Blessed Pius IX released a document defining the dogma, stating that the Blessed Virgin Mary “… In the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin.”

You are invited to entrust your intentions to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for remembrance throughout the Immaculate Conception Octave of Masses being offered at the National Shrine in Perryville. Praying this prayer daily during the octave can unite you with fellow AMM members sharing in the observance of this feast. You may also request a Votive Light to burn as another sign of your love for the Mother of God — the pure and holy Queen through whom every grace and favor flow to us!

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

From the responsorial psalm for Thanksgiving Day readings, we echo the praise of David:

“Generation after generation praises your works
    and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
    and tell of your wondrous works …
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
    and let your faithful ones bless you.”
(Psalm 145:4-5, 10)

May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving. We invite you to pray this blessing for your Thanksgiving Day meal.

“Porque un niño nos ha nacido, un hijo se nos ha dado; es rey y proclaman su nombre”.

Posted on by Michelle Weiler

Una vez más se acerca la Navidad y, con ella, celebramos el gran regalo que Dios nos ha dado: su Hijo, que vino al mundo para traer luz y esperanza en medio de nuestras tinieblas. Este niño, nacido en Belén, es el centro de nuestra fe, el Rey que llega a reinar no con poder terrenal, sino con amor y misericordia.

Quiero invitarle personalmente a nuestra Misa Navideña de Medianoche, el 25 de diciembre, en el Santuario de la Medalla Milagrosa. Esta es una ocasión especial para que, en familia y en comunidad, nos acerquemos al Niño Jesús con un corazón abierto y recibir las bendiciones que trae su nacimiento.

Sabemos que muchas veces esta época puede estar marcada por dificultades, preocupaciones y por la ausencia de seres queridos. Pero la Navidad nos recuerda que, en medio de esos momentos, Jesús nace para todos, trayendo consigo paz y consuelo.

Al igual que los pastores y los Reyes Magos que siguieron la estrella hasta Belén, nosotros también podemos acudir al pesebre con nuestras intenciones, para presentarlas ante Jesús, María y José. En este día especial, que mejor opción que celebrar con la Sagrada Familia y pedir su bendición.

Envíe sus peticiones de oración, antes del 16 de diciembre, para nuestra Misa Navideña de Medianoche. Al recibirlas, las colocaremos ante el altar de la Virgen, donde permanecerán durante toda la Navidad y el mes de diciembre. Los sacerdotes Vicentinos y yo oraremos por usted, por su familia y por las intenciones que nos envíe y las que guarde en su corazón.

Además, puede encender una veladora en el Santuario en honor a sus seres queridos o por alguna intención especial. Su veladora será un símbolo de su fe y de su adoración al Niño Jesús.

La Navidad es un tiempo que nos saca de la rutina y nos invita a volver a lo esencial: compartir con nuestros seres queridos, reflexionar en la bondad de Dios, ver hacia el futuro con esperanzas renovadas, y a reconciliarnos y dejarnos querer por los nuestros. Recuerde que, a lo largo de este tiempo de Adviento y Navidad, usted y su familia estarán en nuestras oraciones diarias.

Que esta Navidad sea para usted una oportunidad de renovar su fe, de sentir la protección de la Virgen María y de recibir las gracias que Dios tiene reservadas para usted y los suyos.

Siempre con la Virgen María,


Rev. Prudencio Rodríguez de Yurre, C.M. Director Espiritual

P.D. Recuerde enviarme sus intenciones de oración antes del 16 de diciembre. Será un privilegio para mí recibir sus peticiones de Navidad y recordarlas en nuestra Misa Navideña de Medianoche. Que la luz de Cristo ilumine su vida y que su hogar esté lleno de paz y amor durante esta temporada.