Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is the title given to the Virgin Mary in reference to the Marian apparitions that occurred in 1830 at the chapel on rue du Bac in Paris. These apparitions led to the creation of the Miraculous Medal, a devotional object spread worldwide.
The Apparitions to Catherine Labouré
In 1830, Catherine Labouré, then a novice with the Daughters of Charity, reported having several visions of the Virgin Mary in the chapel of her convent, located at 140 rue du Bac in Paris. During the apparition on November 27, 1830, the Virgin reportedly asked her to have a medal struck according to a precise design, promising that those who wore it with confidence would receive great graces.
The Miraculous Medal
The medal features on its front the image of the Virgin Mary standing on a globe, crushing a serpent, with the inscription: "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you." The reverse shows an "M" topped with a cross, with the Hearts of Jesus and Mary below. From its release in 1832, the medal was quickly adopted by the faithful, especially during the cholera epidemic in Paris, where many miracles and conversions were attributed to its intercession.
The Chapel on rue du Bac
The chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, located at 140 rue du Bac in Paris, is today a major pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from around the world. It is open every day and offers Masses, confessions, and prayer times. The remains of Saint Catherine Labouré rest there, bearing witness to the spiritual importance of this place.
Spiritual Significance
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is venerated as a mediator of graces, offering protection and support to the faithful who invoke her with faith. The medal is considered a tangible sign of Mary's maternal love and her care for humanity.
