Association of the Miraculous Medal

¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS, VIRGEN MARÍA!

Los católicos crecimos con la certeza de que la Virgen María está siempre con nosotros: en la cocina de mamá, en la imagen junto al rosario, en el santuario de nuestro pueblo y en nuestras oraciones cuando más la necesitamos. Hoy, cuando hay tanta necesidad, quiero invitarle a volver a ese refugio seguro que es el corazón de María a través de una celebración.

En la Asociación de la Medalla Milagrosa queremos celebrar con amor y devoción el cumpleaños de nuestra Madre del Cielo, el 8 de septiembre. Será una ocasión especial para darle gracias, entregarle nuestras penas y refugiarnos en su corazón maternal.

Aquí puede enviarnos sus peticiones  para ponerlas en oración durante la Misa de Cumpleaños de la Virgen, el 8 de septiembre.

También puede encender una veladora  por sus intenciones como símbolo de su esperanza y confianza en la Madre de Dios.

Una madre siempre atesora los regalos que sus hijos pequeños preparan con sus manos. Un dibujo con garabatos, una frase escrita con esfuerzo. Estos regalos valen por su perfección, sino por el amor con el que fueron creados. Así también nuestra Madre del Cielo recibe con ternura lo que le brindamos de corazón.

Para esta celebración de esperanza y gozo, crearemos y presentaremos a Nuestra Señora un regalo hecho con mucho amor.

Crearemos una Vela de Cumpleaños para la Virgen, hecha con trocitos de cera que los miembros de la Asociación nos envían de todo el país.

Cualquier ofrenda que pueda compartir, si es su voluntad y tiene los medios, ayudará a la Asociación a continuar su misión de promover la devoción a la Virgen y a su Medalla Milagrosa, especialmente entre los más necesitados.

¡Cuánta necesidad hay en el mundo! Pero también cuánta fe hay en nuestro pueblo. En la Asociación oraremos por usted y su familia todos los días.

Que su luz guíe nuestros pasos y nos acerque siempre más a su Hijo, Jesús


Siempre con la Virgen María,

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


“EN EL UMBRAL DEL CIELO HAY UNA MADRE QUE NOS ESPERA CON TERNURA”.

Cada 15 de agosto celebramos con alegría la Fiesta de la Asunción de la Virgen María. Este misterio glorioso nos recuerda que el cielo no está lejos, ni está cerrado, sino que está abierto, y en su umbral hay una Madre que nos espera con ternura. Ella no se olvida de nosotros.

Sé que actualmente vivimos tiempos muy difíciles. Muchos de nuestros hermanos enfrentan incertidumbre, miedos, enfermedades o dificultades económicas, entre otras situaciones. Pero María no nos deja solos. Más bien, nos invita a mirar hacia arriba, hacia el cielo donde hay esperanza. A no quedarnos atrapados en las sombras del miedo, sino a confiar en Dios.

Por eso quiero invitarle con cariño a que nos acompañe a celebrar la Novena de misas de la Asunción de María, del 6 al 15 de agosto. Acérquese a María y ponga en sus manos sus intenciones, preocupaciones y esperanzas.

Envíeme sus intenciones de oración y los nombres de seres queridos que desea poner en las manos de María. Nosotros las colocaremos ante el altar de la Virgen, y oraremos por sus intenciones durante cada misa de la novena, en especial durante la Fiesta de la Asunción, el 15 de agosto.

También puede encender una veladora  por sus intenciones a la Virgen como símbolo de fe y esperanza en la intercesión de Nuestra Señora.  

Cualquier ofrenda que pueda compartir en este momento, será recibida de corazón. Gracias a su generosidad, podemos llevar la esperanza y el consuelo de la Virgen María y su Medalla Milagrosa a las personas que más las necesitan.  

Gracias de corazón, por celebrar con nosotros esta bella devoción. Gracias por darnos el privilegio de orar por usted y su familia. Recuerde que María camina con usted, y que nunca se alejará, sobre todo en los momentos más difíciles. En su corazón caben nuestras esperanzas y nuestras penas. Encomiende a su familia a ella.

Espero tener el privilegio de recibir sus intenciones  de oración para la Novena de la Asunción de la Virgen. Mientras tanto, rogaré a María, Puerta del Cielo, para que le dé fortaleza y esperanza, y la certeza de que nunca estamos solos.

Siempre con la Virgen María,

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

P.D. La Novena de la Asunción se celebrará del 6 al 15 de agosto. Por favor envíeme sus intenciones antes del 6 de agosto  para ponerlas ante la Virgen durante su novena.

P.P.D. También quiero compartirle este bello testimonio de un miembro de nuestra familia espiritual. Nunca me canso de leer estas historias que me llenan de esperanza. Espero que a usted también le inspire.

Estimado Padre:
            Gracias por sus oraciones. Mi esposo tenía un cáncer terminal, pero en este momento está muy bien. Le habían dado 6 meses de vida, y estaba que no se paraba de la cama. Yo lo alimentaba a puro líquido porque no podía ni comer. Eso es un milagro. Quiero contarles que tuvo un sueño con Jesús, que lo llevó a un cerro donde había una iglesia y cuando entraron, mi esposo estaba sobre una alfombra y a los pies de Jesús. Y Jesús lo tenía abrazado y le dijo “No hay nada ni nadie que pueda curarte mejor que yo, lucha por tu vida”. Y de ahí en adelante se puso de pie y comenzamos a luchar juntos y en este momento está muy bien. Gracias por sus oraciones. Los amamos. No me lo suelten, por favor,  porque “la unión hace la fuerza”. Dios y nuestra Madrecita Santísima los mantengan en sus brazos.

Mary’s Story — Her Promise of God’s Grace

Greetings from the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal!

Our bookmarks are beautiful reminders of Mary’s promised graces to her earthly children. The Association of the Miraculous Medal continues to tell the world about the special mission Our Blessed Mother gave to Saint Catherine Labouré back in 1830 – how the young novice was to create and share the “medal of the Immaculate Conception.” The effect this medal has had on the world is incalculable.

Mary promised that graces and favors from God awaited all who would wear the medal in faith. As early wearers began reporting remarkable blessings, people began calling the medal “miraculous.”

Those who wear the Miraculous Medal today also testify that Mary is keeping her promise!

Doug, from Arizona, is one of them. He wrote AMM recently:

Six years ago, I was diagnosed with a very rare cancer, usually considered fatal. My case is the first one known in my home city of a million people. I began receiving chemo. My oncologist would gently remind me there was no cure. I have worn the Miraculous Medal every day since my original diagnosis, and pray for Mary’s intercession every day. Recently, medical tests and an MRI detected no trace of the disease – no active cancer. My oncologist was jumping for joy. There is no medical explanation for my results. However, I know that forces beyond medicine are at work. It is nothing less than a miracle that my cancer is officially in remission. Of course, I continue to wear the medal and pray for Mary’s continuing help.

Have you considered ways to share Mary’s story and her promise with your family, friends, or even strangers? 

It can be as easy as simply telling them the story of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. You can wear your own Miraculous Medal, share its meaning when someone occasionally asks you about it, and give  the medal away free, which AMM is happy to send you free by return mail. You may also order and share one of our bookmarks to spread the prayer Mary wants the world to know!

Supporting Our Lady’s Association with a charitable gift is another way you can help us to share her promise. Donations help AMM reach hundreds of thousands each year with the good news that limitless blessings await those who turn in faith to Our Blessed Mother. Gifts enable us to send out more than two million free medals each year, along with hundreds of thousands of spiritual greeting cards and other devotional items intended to bring all souls closer to Jesus.

Today, I invite you to join fellow members who are making a gift this month.

With so many people seeking a sign of God’s love for them, your donation of any size can bring hope and meaning to someone’s life.

Whether or not you contribute now, please return any intentions you’d like placed near Mary’s Altar here at the National Shrine. My fellow Vincentians, along with myself, AMM members, and our staff, will offer their prayerful support.

Requesting a Votive Light to burn inside the Shrine Church is another visible way to place yourself in prayer before Jesus and Mary.

May we thank Our Lord daily for the gift of his most Holy Mother as our Mother. And let us never hesitate to take Mary up on her promise to obtain for us a limitless share of heaven’s favors.

Thank you for your love and support for the Association of the Miraculous Medal. May God bless your efforts to serve him, and may he draw you ever closer to himself through Mary Immaculate.

Sincerely in Jesus and Our Lady,

P.S. You may request free, blessed Miraculous Medals and “Story of the Medal” cards. Or, order through AMM’s online gift shop at www.amm.org. You may also phone in your request for medals or for prayers. Reach us at 1-800-264-MARY (6279), Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., CT.

Your Prayerful Petition for Healing

Every day, God permits us numerous opportunities to become spiritually stronger. Yes, we might prefer if the Lord would simply wave a magical wand and fortify us with no effort on our part. But Christians know better.

There is no spiritual triumph without a battle, no perfect love on earth without suffering, and no Easter without Good Friday.

I often call the Scapular our armor, the Miraculous Medal our shield, and the Rosary our most powerful weapon.

Here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, we are working hard to equip faith-filled souls with the tools they need for the ultimate triumph over evil so they may achieve full and eternal union with God in heaven. Helping people like you “suit up for salvation,” the tools we’re offering are both spiritual and temporal.

The spiritual help is our Association’s daily, prayerful remembrance of the needs shared with us by members and friends week after week. Temporal aid includes our distributing more than two million blessed Miraculous Medals every year and sending out other Church-approved, blessed sacramentals from the National Shrine.

Today, I invite you to allow the Association of the Miraculous Medal to stand with you in the warfare against evil. Here are two easy ways you can accept:

  • Send me the names of the loved ones you wish to have remembered.  The request for prayer may be for the return of their well-being of body, mind, or spirit. On Wednesday, September 3, at 12:10 p.m., CT, we will offer a Mass Remembering your loved ones and their needs, lifting them up to Jesus through Mary during the Prayers of the Faithful. These same intentions will rest near Mary’s Shrine Altar throughout the month of September.

While the rosary and scapular have been around for 500-800 years, the Miraculous Medal was given to the world much more recently. It was in 1830 when Our Lady appeared to Sister Catherine Labouré, a novice in Paris, France, giving her the design of the medal and the mission to share it with the world.

To those who wore the Miraculous Medal with faith and confidence, Mary assured the young Daughter of Charity, great graces and blessings would flow from God.

Sending the names of your loved ones for remembrance is a sign of your trust in Our Blessed Mother’s promised intercession. Your prayers are a powerful weapon in the face of physical or spiritual suffering, temptation, doubt, and more.

When you return the names of your loved ones for remembrance, you may also request a Votive Light to burn at the Shrine. This sign of your faith is but another way to lift your loved ones in prayer to Jesus through Mary.

Any offering you include will help us spread devotion to Our Lady. It will also support the formation and ministries of the Vincentian priests and brothers founded by Saint Vincent de Paul.

Going up against the devil, Christians’ victory depends on both an ironclad defense and a fail-safe offense.

Thank you for allowing the Association of the Miraculous Medal to serve as your spiritual fortress to help obtain the healing, protection, defense, and salvation of your body and soul and that of all those close to you! May God bless all your efforts to serve him and draw you ever closer to himself.

Faithfully yours in Jesus and Mary,

 

Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!

Last year, a member of AMM thanked us for sending her Back to School greeting cards like these.

She explained …”My sister teaches children with special needs. I gave her one of the cards, which she posted on the bulletin board in her classroom. The students could see it was very special to my sister. The card became special to them, too.”

A bulletin board. It’s where teachers put on display the most important things they believe their students need to learn. Many of us would agree –– there are few lessons today’s youngsters need to understand better than that God loves them, and Our Blessed Mother is with them at every moment to guide and care for them.

Yes, one simple greeting card can teach this timeless truth in a quiet and beautiful way that even the smallest child can understand!

That is why I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to order and present the back to school cards to an educator, family, or individual student close to your heart. Each greeting offers your recipients a remembrance in the daily Mass and prayers offered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal from September through May.

Send me their names, which we’ll place near Mary’s Shrine Altar. You may also burn a Votive Light for your recipients as an expression of your prayerful desire that they experience a fulfilling academic year ahead. 

If you’d like to browse AMM’s selection of medals and rosaries that make great back to school gifts, go online to amm.org/store. You may also order religious gifts by phone.

The 3/4” tall, pewter Miraculous Medal (M080) is our most popular back to school gift item. Its lobster-claw clasp keeps it securely attached to a backpack, purse, keychain, or zipper. Request one or more for a suggested donation of $13 each.

You give a gift of priceless value in asking Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, to watch over those you love along their educational pathway this school year.

Thank you for your devotion to Mary’s mission carried out here at the Association of the Miraculous Medal. May God continue to bless your efforts to serve him, and may he draw you ever closer to himself.

Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,

P.S. You may also request free, blessed Miraculous Medals and “Story of the Medal” cards (I086) to share with school children, educators, and family members. Or, call us at 1-800-264-MARY (6279), Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT. Any gift offering you add will be gratefully appreciated and used to continue the mission of Our Lady’s Association.

Here’s the impact your offering can make this back to school season:

Recently, an AMM member in Canada wrote … Dear Father, I have been giving Miraculous Medals to children in two classrooms in each of our schools. I received reports from the teachers that once the children began wearing this sacramental, their anxiety and stress levels went down. The children are happier, and discipline problems have diminished. I am so grateful that I have been able to obtain the medals from AMM and that Our Lady is interceding for these children.

Celebrate Our Lady’s Birthday

A mother loves her little children’s hand-made gifts. One scribbled “Happy Birthday” picture from a six-year-old might be displayed for months – not because it’s a work of great art, but because it’s a work of great love.

Our Blessed Mother is no different, and we are her little children. That is why every year on the feast of Mary’s Nativity, the Association of the Miraculous Medal celebrates by presenting Our Lady with a special gift of love.

Today, I’m inviting you –– and fellow devoted members of AMM’s spiritual family –– to take part in our September 8 Mass observing Mary’s birthday.

You may send any special prayer intentions and/or request a Votive Light to burn near Mary’s Altar at the Shrine. My fellow Vincentians and I will remember your needs in prayer.

Any offering you choose to add will help AMM continue its mission to draw souls closer to Christ through Our Lady. Gifts support ministries of our Vincentian priests and brothers and enable AMM to continue distributing free, blessed Miraculous Medals to faith-filled souls.

Any intentions received will be presented at the Mass planned for September 8. It is a wonderful way to add to the many ways you’ve shown your love for Mary and for the gift of the Miraculous Medal she shared with the world through Saint Catherine Labouré nearly 200 years ago.

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

MARÍA, SALUD DE LOS ENFERMOS, RUEGA POR NOSOTROS.

Si en este momento usted, un ser querido o alguien conocido está pasando por alguna enfermedad o situación difícil, quiero que sepa que hay alguien que siempre le acompaña. María está a su lado en todo momento, y nosotros aquí en la Asociación de la Virgen oramos por usted todos los días.

La enfermedad es una de las pruebas más difíciles y duras de la vida, en ella podemos ver muy claramente nuestra fragilidad. Esta lucha puede hacernos dudar de la esperanza en el futuro.

El Papa Francisco nos dijo: “Dios no nos deja solos y, si nos abandonamos en él, precisamente allí donde nuestras fuerzas decaen, podemos experimentar el consuelo de su presencia”.

Si usted está pasando por un momento difícil, le animo a que siga confiando en el poder de la fe, en la fuerza de la oración y en la luz de la esperanza. La Virgen conoce nuestras penas, nuestras luchas, y camina de la mano con nosotros.

¿Tiene usted alguna petición especial para la Virgen hoy, especialmente si se trata de salud o sanación? ¿Hay alguien por quien desea que oremos? Con humildad recibiremos sus intenciones y nombres de seres queridos al devolvernos su forma de respuesta.

Usted, sus seres queridos, y las peticiones que nos envíe, permanecerán en oración ante la Virgen en el Santuario de la Medalla Milagrosa, y allí los recordaremos todos los días en nuestras misas y oraciones.

Para darle esperanza a alguien enfermo, deprimido o en recuperación, le invito a solicitar una tarjeta con oraciones de sanación. En los momentos de gran necesidad, esta puede ser el gesto que devuelva la esperanza, dé fortaleza y ayude a una persona a superar una prueba.

Cada oración escrita en esa tarjeta es una semilla de confianza. Al compartirla con alguien, usted está diciendo a esa persona: “Confío en que Dios puede sanar. María está contigo”. Esta es la certeza que queremos compartir, teniendo la seguridad de que la oración abre caminos donde parece que no los hay.

Sanar no siempre significa la ausencia del dolor físico. A veces, Dios actúa de maneras más sutiles o profundas: a través de la oración, de un abrazo, de una palabra de fe, de una tarjeta.

Y María… María nunca nos abandona. Ella acompañó a Jesús en su Calvario, y hoy está junto a cada enfermo, cada cuidador, y cada familia afectada por el dolor o la prueba. Es la Madre que consuela, que fortalece, que sostiene. Ella nos da su Medalla como signo de protección y esperanza.

Espero que pueda usar esta bella tarjeta con oraciones de sanación. Por favor envíeme el nombre de la persona que la recibe y sus intenciones para orar por ellas. Y si es su voluntad también incluir una ofrenda, por pequeña que sea, le estaré muy agradecido.

El apoyo que usted nos brinda es la vida de nuestros ministerios de fe y consuelo entre quienes más necesitan esperanza en su vida. Por todo su apoyo, ¡GRACIAS!

Ruego a la Virgen de la Medalla Milagrosa que le acompañe siempre y llene su corazón de paz.

Siempre con la Virgen María,

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

P.D. Si usted o un ser querido necesitan oración de sanación, por favor envíeme sus intenciones o encienda una veladora por ellos. Con devoción las presentaremos a la Virgen María en nuestras Misas y momentos de oración. ¡Ella cuida de todos sus hijos!

Your Prayerful Petition for Healing

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Seventeen days after he went into the hospital in February, Pope Francis issued a special message to the thousands of well-wishers around the world. “At this particular time,” he said, “I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people.”

What a beautiful image! As a family of faith, united in Jesus’ name, we lift up those who’ve lost the strength to carry on alone.

Do you know someone in need of healing of body, mind, or spirit? I invite you to “carry” that person to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal by way of sending a Healing Remembrance Card.

This inspiring spiritual greeting will announce your
prayerful appeal for the healing of your loved one.

The image of the Miraculous Medal calls to mind Mary’s promise that all who turn to her in confidence will be showered with heavenly favors and graces. Sending a healing card is a sign of your faith in Our Blessed Mother’s message.

Like the Holy Father, many of us can remember another’s kindness reaching us when we were too weak to carry on alone. Your prayers can mean the world to someone close to you who is in need of healing and offer them renewed strength and hope.

     A member wrote us recently to share this happy ending …

 

Dear Father, I recently sent one of AMM’s Healing Remembrance Cards to a friend. He was dealing with shingles on his face and was at risk of losing his eyesight. He and his family were so thankful for the prayers. They even used the healing card as the topper on their Christmas tree! My friend has made a full recovery.

 

If you don’t have a recipient in mind right now, you can order the card for later. How often I find a need arises out of the blue, when I’m eager to respond right away but don’t have the right sentiment on hand.

When you do send the Healing Remembrance Card, please send us the name of your loved one. We will remember your recipient in the daily Mass and prayers here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Requesting a Votive Light to burn at the Shrine can be an additional way to “carry” your loved one to Jesus through Mary.

Any offering you include will help us spread devotion to Our Lady. It will also support the formation and ministries of Vincentian priests and brothers –– members of the Congregation of the Mission founded by Saint Vincent de Paul.

Thank you for allowing the Association of the Miraculous Medal to join you in praying for your loved one in need of healing. May God bless all your efforts to serve him and draw you ever closer to himself.

Faithfully yours in Jesus and Mary,

 

P.S.  You may also request free, blessed Miraculous Medals to share with others. Request them through our website or by calling us at 1-800-264-MARY (6279) weekdays, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT.

A Lasting Gift For Someone You Love

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

For many members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal, being part of this spiritual family is a gift that has been passed on from generation to generation. A devoted AMM member who recently passed away at the age of 101, wrote to us:

     “My parents enrolled me as a member, and I carried on that tradition later with my own children. I tell you that when I pray to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for her intercession with her Son, it’s very seldom that my prayers aren’t answered.”

When we consider giving a religious gift, we often first think of items like a rosary, Bible, crucifix on a chain, or a prayer book. And yes, these earthly presents can bring a loved one much spiritual enrichment!

But Perpetual Membership in the Association of the Miraculous Medal offers something more, something eternal, something with value that will never wear out, go missing, be put in a drawer or forgotten about.

You are holding the invitation to give such a gift to someone. Enrolling a loved one, living or deceased, as a Perpetual Member of the Association gives them a priceless gift of prayerful remembrance in:

  • —Daily Mass for as long as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal exists,
  • —Thirty individual Masses each month for all members
  • —Three novenas of Masses offered each month

Many AMM members were originally gifted Perpetual Membership upon their birth, Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, graduation, wedding, or anniversary. Others were enrolled following their passing from this life to the next, with their closest relatives informed of this spiritual gift. Some members were gifted a membership “just because.” (We don’t have to wait for a special occasion to show our love!)

Who in your life could benefit from prayerful, perpetual remembrance at the National Shrine? I invite you to order a certificate to send to someone who could benefit from this gift of prayer. The suggested offering for Perpetual Membership is $15 for each person or $25 for a couple.

There are additional options here. One option, for an suggested gift of $25 is the deluxe, engraved membership certificate that we’ll send to your enrollee(s) or their family. Another option is to enroll an entire family. A suggested donation of $50 is requested for this Family Perpetual Membership. Call us at 1-800-264-MARY (6279) or go online at www.amm.org to request these options.

Your membership donation, and any additional offering you choose to make, supports AMM’s mission to draw souls to Jesus through devotion to Our Blessed Mother. Your gift also supports Vincentian formation and ministries and helps maintain the historic Miraculous Medal Shrine here in Perryville, Missouri.

Thank you for your devoted support of our ministry. May God bless your efforts to serve him and draw you ever closer to himself.

Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,

 

P.S.  Enrolling a loved one in AMM builds up spiritual riches that will benefit them for eternity! Living or deceased, each one will share in a prayerful remembrance offered daily for years to come –– thanks to your deep faith and gesture of selfless love.

Place Your Needs in Mary’s Loving Hands

An especially memorable scene from the movie, The Passion of the Christ, focuses on Mary running to comfort her Son after he has fallen under the weight of the cross.

The scene flashes back to the boy Jesus tumbling onto the rocky, dirt ground near their home in Nazareth. Then, too, Mary had run. Arms and hands outstretched, nothing mattered in that moment except reaching her child in need. 

“I am here,” she assured her hurting Son.

Mary’s comforting touch came through hands that had given themselves in constant service to others. The hands of a loving mother know little rest.

Our Blessed Mother, with hands and arms is eager to receive us, to comfort us, to rescue us, through her loving intercession, in whatever material or spiritual need we may be facing.

This beautiful bronze statue of Mary is on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal here in Perryville, Missouri.

Mary is here for you, too.

On Monday, June 9 (the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church) a Mass will be offered at the National Shrine at 12:10 p.m., CT, for you and your intentions. Prior to Mass, we will literally place your petitions into the loving hands of Our Lady at this statue. This gesture will represent your spiritual presence with us and your appeal for Mary’s intercession.

Then, your prayer requests will be placed at the foot of her altar inside the Shrine Church for remembrance throughout June.

You may also request  a Votive Light to burn at the National Shrine – a sign of your love and devotion to Mary.

Finally, AMM is highlighting two unique gifts you can request in return for a suggested offering.

The first is a six-inch, poly resin, bronze gold finish statue. The second gift is a Palm Cross, inlaid with a beautiful blue enamel Miraculous Medal. Both items have been blessed here at the National Shrine.

In every moment of our lives, we are under Mary’s loving and watchful eyes. She desires to receive our petitions. Place your intentions into Our Lady’s hands, that she may carry your needs to her Son on your behalf.

Thank you in advance for your loving support of AMM. May God bless your every effort to serve him and draw you ever closer to himself.

                                                           

P.S. You can receive free, blessed Miraculous Medals on an explanation card to share with family, friends, co-workers, schools, etc. Call our office Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT. You may also order through our online gift shop at www.amm.org.

” … they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save … ”    James 5:14-15

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Some ancient traditions hold that the “tree of life” in the Garden of Eden was an olive tree. Mentioned over and over in the Bible, the oil flowing from olive trees often seems to represent God’s favor, peace, mercy, power, or healing and bestowal of authority.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus sent his apostles out to preach repentance. The Lord endowed them with power over unclean spirits. “They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” (Mark 6:13)

Today, many Christians continue to use blessed oil on themselves and others as a symbol of God’s empowering, strengthening, and healing power. Blessed oil is a Church-approved sacramental.

Simply put, sacramentals are prayer aids –– holy objects or ritual acts used by the faithful to outwardly express their devotion and to be open to God’s grace. A rosary is a sacramental. Making the Sign of the Cross is a sacramental. Holy water is a sacramental.

Blessed oil is one of the many sacramentals available for a suggested offering from the Association of the Miraculous Medal. You may request a half-ounce bottle for $19. Your offering covers more than the cost of the item to help AMM continue its ministry –– bringing God’s love and healing to the world through Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

May the use of blessed oil bring you or someone you know closer to Our Lord.

I’d like to share a member’s story. Carol shared how she used the blessed oil to anoint her husband, who was in a memory care unit.

     “Jerry was in a dementia unit for a while, and many times I used the blessed oil to anoint him. I prayed for him to have a peaceful death, and I feel like he did, thanks to the many prayers.”

Even though Carol used the blessed oil to anoint her husband, sacramentals and prayer are not substitutes for taking prescribed medicine, for seeking medical attention, or for receiving the Sacrament of the Sick by a priest during serious illness. Sacramentals are used as a sign of faith in God’s power to intervene in our lives. We can surrender in peace to the manner in which he chooses to answer our prayers.

I would also like to pray for Mary’s intercession for you and any loved ones in your life who are in need of restored physical, mental, or spiritual health. I invite you to send me these names of those you would like me to pray for.

These loved ones will be remembered in the daily Mass and prayers here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. You may also request to burn Votive Lights to burn for your needs and those of your loved ones

May God continue to bless all our efforts to serve him and draw us ever closer to himself.  O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

 

P.S. Sacramentals like the blessed oil, when used in conjunction with prayer, can open hearts to receive the blessings God desires to bestow upon you and those you love.

“SÁNAME, SEÑOR Y QUEDARÉ SANO; SÁLVAME, Y QUEDARE A SALVO”. – JER 17:14

En los momentos de prueba, cuando la vida se vuelve incierta y el peso de las preocupaciones parece demasiado grande, necesitamos aferrarnos a la esperanza. Sé que muchas personas están pasando por momentos difíciles: enfermedades, problemas económicos, un futuro incierto, el dolor de estar lejos de sus seres queridos, etc. Pero recuerde algo importante: nunca estamos solos.

Desde que la Virgen María se apareció a santa Catalina Labouré en 1830, nos ha dado un signo de amor y protección que nunca pasa de moda: la Medalla Milagrosa. A través de ella, Nuestra Señora nos recuerda que camina con nosotros, que escucha nuestras oraciones y que nos toma de la mano en los momentos más oscuros.

Acérquese a María y pídale las bendiciones que promete. Deje que ella le consuele y tenga la seguridad de que siempre está a su lado, particularmente cuando más la necesita. La Virgen ofrece grandes gracias a quienes confían en su intercesión, y miles de personas han recibido milagros de fortaleza, sanación y paz por medio de su maternal intercesión.

¿Hay alguien a su alrededor sufriendo de alguna enfermedad? ¿Hay alguien deprimido por una situación específica en su vida? ¿Está usted o alguien de su familia pasando por una situación difícil que no pueden superar solos?

Sé que la solución nunca es sencilla. En los momentos muy difíciles debemos aferrarnos a algo más grande que nosotros mismos.

Quisiera ayudar a fomentar más su confianza en la Virgen María. Por eso le ofrezco una botellita de aceite bendito de Nuestra Señora. El aceite, bendecido en el Santuario de la Medalla Milagrosa, ha sido tocado con una reliquia de primera clase de santa Catalina Labouré.

Con una ofrenda de $19 o más, puede recibir su aceite bendito visitando nuestra tienda o llamando al 1-800-360-2104 para solicitarlo por teléfono.  

Al solicitar su aceite, su ofrenda no solo le permitirá recibir este bendito sacramental, sino que también nos ayudará a continuar nuestra misión: distribuir Medallas Milagrosas, fomentar la devoción a la Virgen María, cuidar el Santuario y sus campos con reverencia y dignidad, etc.

Recuerde enviarme sus intenciones de oración, especialmente si alguien necesita sanación, para colocarlas ante Nuestra Señora en el Santuario de la Medalla Milagrosa.

Si en este momento algo le preocupa mucho, si hay enfermedad en su hogar o si necesita esperanza, deje que oremos por usted o encienda una veladora en nuestro Santuario. En la Asociación de la Medalla Milagrosa rezamos cada día por todos nuestros miembros.

Que la Virgen María, Madre de los enfermos, interceda por usted y le conceda el don de la sanación de Dios.

Siempre con la Virgen María,


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

P.D. Recuerde solicitar su Botellita de aceite bendito de Nuestra Señora para acompañar su oración.