5 Reasons I Wear a Miraculous Medal - And Why You Should Try It Too!

The Miraculous Medal is a special medal design based on mystical visions of St. Catherine Labouré in the 19th century. It’s a popular devotional item and is associated with miracles and conversions.

Here’s why I wear one:

1) I am being reminded daily to “listen to my Mother”

As a mommy of a three and a half year old boy, I’ve been hearing the word “no” A LOT.

Me: “Xavier, go to the potty” Xavier: No Me: “Don’t say no to me, just do it” Xavier: “No!”.

This happens countless times a day. As you can imagine, this can be extremely frustrating. I wonder if Mary gets frustrated with us.

Almost 200 years ago Our Blessed Mother instructed Saint Catherine Labouré to “have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck.” Our Blessed Mother also told Catherine, “Now it must be given to the whole world and to every person.” For almost two hundred years this message has been available to us, yet –until this past Christmas, I still did not wear one around my neck.

I wonder if Mary is frustrated, as any mother is when children do not take her advice or accept her help! I know how I feel after a 30 minute debate with a three year old on why he has to at least try to pee. Two hundred years of, “wear this, it will help” and so many not listening has got to be exhausting!

2) It’s Known as the “Miraculous Medal” for a Reason, and I Love a Miracle!

When the medal first came into being, it was called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. In less than ten years it became known as the Miraculous Medal because of the many graces and wonders that quickly became associated with wearing it. According to one source, between 1930 and 1950, more than 750,000 favors were granted and registered in just the city of Philadelphia alone.

Our Blessed Mother wants us to ask her for prayers. Our Lord wants us to go to Him and tell him what is on our minds and in our hearts. Having this medal around our necks at all times is a constant reminder to pray. And as Mary promised, those who wear it will receive great graces.

3) Heroic Men and Women Have Worn It and Encouraged Others to Wear It

Two particular individuals come to mind: St. Maximillian Kolbe and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Before St. Maximillian courageously gave his life for another man, he started a movement and an organization, known in English as the Knights of the Immaculata. He made the Miraculous Medal the insignia of the group and had each member wear the medal. He said it was a “silver bullet” against evil.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, known for her charitable work throughout the world, called it a “medal of charity” and gave it out by the hand full. She said that the medal is a sign that God loves each and every individual at each and every moment of our lives.

4) It’s a Reminder to Ask for Help

The images on the medal were designed by the Blessed Mother and spoken to St. Catherine Laboure. Our Blessed Mother said that the rays coming from some of her fingers demonstrate the graces God gives through her to those who ask and are open.

There are some fingers where no rays are shown. Mary said that is to demonstrate the graces that are not given because they were not requested of her. Just another reminder of Matthew 7:7; “Ask and it shall be given to you”.

5) It’s a Symbol of What’s Most Important

When I first wrote this article, my Facebook profile picture included an opaque flag of France to show my support and prayers for those who have suffered a great tragedy. There is a U.S. flag hung outside the front door of our home to demonstrate patriotism. We often wear colors to support those affected by different diseases and when we are cheering for our favorite sports team, we wear the appropriate jersey. All of these have some importance in our lives. But what is most important? For me, it is my faith. If signs and symbols are important for the lesser things, why not show my enthusiasm for the greatest blessing of all – faith in Our Lord and the love of our Mother.

For Christmas, I asked for and received a Miraculous Medal. There are so many different styles made by many different companies and organizations. I searched and browsed hundreds, finally finding a simple style necklace that I feel fits my personality. I wear it daily. I find comfort in it. I’m so grateful for the gift of grace and peace it gives.

Want One?

If you would like a Miraculous Medal, you can get a FREE one from The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal! The Central Association’s primary mission is “to render honor to Mary Immaculate and to encourage the use of her Miraculous Medal with prayers and devotions to her”. The Central Association offers a free Miraculous Medal to anyone living in the United States.

Originally posted on Prayer, Wine, Chocolate