The Apparition of 1830
On November 27, 1830, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a young nun, Catherine Labouré, in the Chapel of Rue du Bac, Paris. Mary showed her a medal and said:
"Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces."
Catherine shared the vision with her confessor, and the first medals were made in 1832. During the Paris cholera epidemic that year, thousands who wore it reported healings and conversions. The people began calling it "The Miraculous Medal."
Every Symbol Has Meaning
Mary designed this medal herself. Every detail has meaning:
✨ Mary crushing the serpent — Victory over evil
✨ Rays of light — Graces for those who ask
✨ The M and Cross — Mary united with Christ
✨ Twelve stars — The twelve apostles, the Church
"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
Mary's Promise
"Persons who wear this medal will receive great graces. Graces will be abundant for those who have confidence."
— Our Lady to St. Catherine Labouré, 1830
Originally called the "Medal of the Immaculate Conception," it became the "Miraculous Medal" after countless healings during the 1832 Paris cholera epidemic.
