On November 27, 1830, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré in the image of the Miraculous Medal. Mary gave the young novice God’s mission –– to produce and share the medal with the world. Catherine’s gave this account:

…her arms swept wide in a gesture of motherly compassion, while from her jeweled fingers the rays of light streamed upon the white globe at her feet. An oval frame formed around the Blessed Virgin, and written within it in letters of gold Catherine read the words, “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.” Our Lady spoke: “Have a medal struck after this model. All who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for persons who wear it with confidence.”

The apparition revolved, to reveal the back side of the medal. It contained a large “M,” surmounted by a bar and a cross. Beneath the “M” were the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the one crowned with thorns, the other pieced with a sword. Twelve stars encircled the whole.

Each year, AMM invites members to celebrate the anniversary of this holy apparition. AMM will hold its annual Miraculous Medal Novena of Masses November 18 – 26 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Share your personal prayer intentions here to be placed near Mary’s Shrine Altar throughout the nine days of the novena and on Wednesday, November 27, the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. You may also request a Votive Light to burn for your petitions.

Generations of faith-filled people have grown closer to Jesus through devotion to Our Blessed Mother and wearing the Miraculous Medal as a sign of their confident trust in receiving the graces promised. Every year, hundreds of AMM members give witness to God’s work in their lives. One recent email read:

Dear Father,

I would like to thank Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for ensuring that my laboratory tests were normal. I always believe in the power of Mary’s intercession. I am grateful for the Miraculous Medal, which I always wear around my neck.

Father Clay’s full letter shares more about this special feast.